Monday, October 26, 2009

Artist awarness project




http://www.saratoga.com/today/2009/10/the-domestic-violence-awareness-project.html

Saratoga Today
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project
Written By: Yael Goldman on October 9, 2009

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month, a 31 day campaign to support the individual stories, experiences and personalities affected by domestic abuse.
Every victim of domestic abuse is different and, similarly, this diversity calls for a variety of outlets and mediums to show support and rally prevention awareness. As a visual medium, artistic expression calls unique attention to this cause, which is why local sculptor mi Chelle Vara uses visual art to inspire positive action as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Vara created 8 sculptural pieces, at her Ballard Road Art Studio Gallery in Wilton, to be shown in conjunction with the awareness campaign. From Vara's perspective, communication is vital for those directly and indirectly affected by domestic violence."The problem with domestic violence is the silence barrier. If it's happening, even to someone close, no one wants to talk about it," Vara said. "I create visual pieces that are dimensional; allowing a dialogue to open up through all people."The tragic death of friend Dawn Bovey Roberts, a local victim of extreme domestic violence, enlightened Vara about the need for open communication and support for those in danger. Last year, Vara showed her support with two sculptures, and his year she's added eight more with "bigger language." Through these pieces, Vara aims to capture the positive: how she has seen many people grow through domestic violence, using their experience as something positive to propel them to a new place as an individual. She works with iron and glass to convey how negative energy can be transformed into growth and enlightenment for the world around her.Vara's artwork demonstrates just one medium for expressing the relationship between violence and emotion. She highlights the power and inspiration surrounding those who conquer domestic abuse, and it is their encouraging stories that speak volumes about violence of all forms."Domestic violence and violence are not separate issues. Violence in society must be addressed, and addressed positively," Vara said.By capturing the good that comes from even the most negative situations, Vara's sculptures embody the message that triumph over social violence can be inspiration for change.





Go to web site for all the pictures and articals. http://www.michellevara.com/


Thank you

Saturday, October 3, 2009

"Stunning" - Sculpture review by Kate Austin


10/01/09 -Chronicle News
Domestic violence art at BJS Artworks in The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls NY holds a reception for its second annual domestic violence awarness project. From Vitom to Victory on Saturday , Oct 3 from 4 to 8 pm.
Last year the solidarity of the attendees at this art reception moved me to tears, a friend of Bev Saunders who owns BJSArtworks, pulled out her guitar and played the Bill Withers tune “Lean on Me”. Those at the opening, many who did know each other sang along. Ms.Saunders lost her daughter in a high-profile act of brutal domestic violence in Las Vagas Last November, she says she hopes to raise awareness and foster healing with this show.
The Gallery doesn’t have many different artist participating this year, but the works on the walls are raw and moving. miChelle M. Vara, an artist working found objects and metal sculpture, shows new pieces that are quite stunning. These works are simpler than her previous works I’ve seen, and more effective for it.
-Kate Austin