Our VOICE’s 18th Annual Survivors Art Show

Now in its 18th year, Our VOICE’s annual Survivors Art Show creates a space for survivors of sexual assault to share their stories through art.

This year’s featured guest artist is Pedro Esqueda, a local painter, furniture-maker, and survivor.  The exhibition will be on display at the Asheville Masonic Temple, with an opening reception on Friday, November 22. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and a program of performance art will begin at 7:00 pm in the Asheville Masonic Temple’s Theatre, featuring song, poetry, movement, and more. The show will also be open to the public on Saturday, November 23, from 9 am to 5:30 pm.

“At Our VOICE, we believe in hope and healing for all survivors,” says Angelica Reza Wind, the Executive Director of Our VOICE. “That healing process looks different for everyone, and is a highly personal journey, but we’ve found that art and artistic expression can be a powerful tool for survivors of sexual violence. The art show is an opportunity to witness and support the complicated and inspiring journey of survivorship.”

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The show’s opening reception on Friday, November 22, will feature an exhibition of art by survivors in our community in the downstairs gallery at the Asheville Masonic Temple, with performance art, poetry, and songs by survivors beginning at 7:30pm in the upstairs theatre. The performance will include acts from artists including Peggy Ratusz, Laura Hope Gill and Chris Wilhelm. There will be an post-show celebration at the Lazy Diamond beginning at 9pm with live bands, food generously provided by Strada Italiano, specialty drinks, and raffle prizes.

Pedro Esqueda, guest featured artist, will be leading a free and open-to-the-public art demonstration on Saturday, November 23, at 11am at the Asheville Masonic Temple with coffee donated by Summit Coffee Co. Individuals who attend the featured artist reception will receive one raffle ticket to use towards a prize basket that includes a gift certificate for dinner for two at Wicked Weed or the Funkatorium, an art class with Debra Mager Mosaics, and more. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased at the event.

Please visit www.ourvoicenc.org for additional information.