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demand for the Diocese’s radical touring art display AN inspiring,
Diocese-backed art display about domestic violence has gained new bookings at
venues throughout The exhibition “From Darkness To Light” has been produced by seven local women who have all survived domestic violence and abuse. The internationally-exhibited artist Maria-Theresa Fernandes has worked with the women to produce images showing the hurt of domestic abuse and the hope created when women rebuild their lives. The exhibition is part of the “Ending the Silence” project, run jointly by the Committee for Social Responsibility of the Diocese of Chester and the Microchips Christian Centre, Middlewich. It is supported by Vale Royal Women’s Aid, Cheshire Police and Cheshire County Council Social Services. The exhibition is open to the public on these days in 2004. * * St Luke’s Church, Winnington, Sunday, 26 September. * Winsford Civic Hall, Monday, 1 November. * Crewe Municipal Buildings, The exhibition will also be mounted privately at Styal Women’s Prison, on Thursday, 26 August, with help from Macclesfield Women’s Aid. The idea of the artworks is to raise awareness and to help churches respond effectively to what is now officially recognised as a serious crime. The artist Maria-Theresa Fernandes was trained in Manchester, England, and Michigan, USA. She works in embroidery, textiles and other media on social justice projects. From an Asian background (in Goa and Kenya) and now resident in the UK, she is a survivor of family abuse. She is passionate about the use of art to change perceptions and combat social injustice. Jo Pemberton, Chester Diocesan Domestic Violence Worker, said: “I was very moved to witness the women who worked on ‘From Darkness To Light’ and I was deeply touched by how bravely they relived their nightmare experiences of abusive partners.” To book the
exhibition, telephone Jo on 07834 829074. |
The artist Maria-Theresa Fernandes
Peering through part of the “Ending the Silence” exhibition
Jo Pemberton, Chester Diocesan Domestic Violence Worker
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