Domestic violence survivors use art to show what it’s like ‘In Their Shoes’

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Saving Grace presents “In Their Shoes,” an art exhibit highlighting the experiences of domestic violence survivors and their loved ones. For this exhibit, survivors and their supporters decorated footwear to show what it is like to walk in their shoes.

Also included in the project are shoes created by students at Westside Village Magnet School as part of a project on empathy.

“When students heard about Saving Grace’s art project for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, they were eager to help,” says Anne Forster-Thom of Westside Village Magnet School. “Some of their families have been helped by Saving Grace. They also have known several classmates who have been supported by Saving Grace.

“When students embarked upon this art project, they worked together to create these shoes that reflect a journey to end domestic violence. Students would like to dedicate these shoes, in the hopes that through empathy and compassion we can make a positive impact and lead the way to a world free of domestic violence.”

Take in this powerful artwork at one of two locations during October: in Downtown Bend at Angelina’s Organic Skincare (838 NW Bond St., Suite 1) and in the Old Mill District at Desperado’s shoes and accessories store Shoes & (330 SW Powerhouse Drive Suite 125).

“We hope by displaying this special art exhibit in a public place like a store window we’ll get the message out to anybody walking down the street that there is help out there for victims of domestic violence,” says Joanne Sunnarborg, owner of Desperado with Shoes &. “These shoes are not only works of art, they tell a story of survival and that’s a message we’re happy to help share.”

During October, Angelina Organic Skincare will also donate 20 percent of the sale of its Saving Grace Melissa and Honey Night Cream to support survivors of domestic violence.

Saving Grace offers safety, hope, and healing to survivors of relationship abuse and sexual assault in Central Oregon through its emergency shelter, a 24-hour helpline, emergency transportation, safety planning, support groups, children’s advocacy, community education and more.

Learn more at www.saving-grace.org or get help by calling the 24-hour helpline at 541-389-7021.