Exhibit honors domestic violence survivors by survivors

LE'CHAUN LINTHICUM

This image by Le'Chaun Linthicum is part of the exhibit "Unbound" now showing at Charlotte Art League through April 30.

The new art exhibit “Unbound” at Charlotte Art League pays homage to women who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The new show curated by local artist Meredith Connelly will be on display through April 30 and includes 50 works from more than 45 artists. CAL is located at 4237 Raleigh St.

Connelly aims to explore the use of art as a coping mechanism for healing and trauma.

“As a survivor of domestic violence, I was called to organize this exhibition,” Connelly said. “These issues are incredibly prevalent, which became even clearer to me as submissions and survivors' stories courageously graced my inbox. The collective grouping of work in ‘Unbound’ is a visualization of artists’ healing journeys as they navigate their personal trauma.”

“Unbound” aims to address issues of physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, grooming, and provide healing.

“It is important to me to face myself and to show others we don’t need to hide this part of who we are,” said Mert Jones, a contributing artist.

Connelly partnered with Safe Alliance, a nonprofit organization who provides hope and healing for domestic violence and sexual assault to bring this art show to life.

“Safe Alliance is thrilled to be able to give an opportunity to survivors to share their experiences and healing journeys through artistic expression. Their courage is inspiring and will help others in similar situations know they are not alone," said Sarah-Kate Pease, director of corporate and community engagement at Safe Alliance.

Connelly hopes “Unbound” encourages more survivors of abuse to share their stories.

“I hope that when people come in that they find a safe space, that they walk around and that they learn something about these issues,” she said. “That they’re finding resources that they're connecting with other survivors that they feel empowered to potentially either share their own story or support the initiative to help volunteer or learn more.”

Aaliyah Bowden, who covers health at The Post, is a Report For America corps member.

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