Domestic Violence Art Show Rated a Success | News, Sports, Jobs

“I have been a counselor since 1987, working with victims of child sexual abuse, itself a form of domestic violence, and I have found that they have been in abusive relationships so often. And since art is so often a necessary part of healing, in any form, I was inspired to host this show for the first time to spread awareness about domestic violence and the impact it has on people.” said Daryl Hersh about the origin of the event.

The annual event, which began in 2015, features an annual call for entries for participating artists with award medals for first, second and third place. The show also offers artists the opportunity to sell their works to the visiting audience, with all proceeds from the sale being returned to the artist. However, Hersh noted that artists would often return their earnings to the show.

This year’s first, second, and third place winners were Desperation by Melissa Seltz, Silent Tears by Kaleb Arkwright, and God Believes You by Jackie Sabbato. The contest was presented by Christina House Program Director Beth Schmitt, Columbiana County Municipal Court Judge Tim McNicol, Columbiana County Commissioner Tim Weigle, Columbiana County Jobs and Family Services Personnel Administrator Jill Jurjavcic, and the Director of treatment by Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services, Lori Kolian assesses.

The evening also featured music by Salem’s David Byers and a performance by the East Liverpool GLOW Group at 6pm

Patchwork Peace by Rebekah Webster: “I had forgotten how safe it felt to be myself and to express it without fear. He had gradually eroded my enjoyment of the little things: bright colors when traveling, softness, smiles, and even peaceful sleep. This quilt is a reminder of how God listens and can help sew broken pieces of who we are together to create something even more beautiful.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Submissions for next year’s art exhibition are now being accepted until August 15, 2023 with the theme “Domestic Violence: Men…It Happens to Us Too!” Next year’s event will be held on August 26 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. and photos of the submission can be sent to [email protected] For information, contact Ozer Ministries at 330-426-2147 or email the address above.

Next year’s show will likely be its final year as Ozer Ministries’ volunteer base for the program has been severely curtailed due to health complications and the work required to run the program each year is beyond what the staff can do themselves can organize. However, they are ready to continue the event if more people volunteer.

Artwork by Melissa Seltz: “This year’s theme was difficult. My paintings are about overcoming the toughest obstacle, trusting someone to believe you and taking the first step by reaching out, and of course there’s a hopeful one titled Look Up too. We must always hope.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

The Silence of Your Heart by Georgia Smith: “I like the subject because it’s important to listen to someone who’s hurting. It was a good reminder to stop and listen, not just hear. It made me think of the quiet times when we really listen or are forced to listen to ourselves.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Pathway to Freedom by Sherry Smith: “Ultimately, she alone has the power to listen and choose her path to freedom from the bondage that has locked her in a spiraling grip of perpetual devastation. we can believe we can listen She needs to hear it. She has to go her own way.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

You Are Nothing Without Me by Joshua Rife: “My inspiration came from my childhood experience of domestic violence. Watching and living the daily nightmare of my “dad” abusing my mom. Not only verbally but physically, it not only devastated her but also my family. ‘Scars never heal.’” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Someone We Know by Karen Renier: “As a survivor of domestic violence, I have withdrawn into my surroundings all my life, trying to blend in with the chaos around me.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

New Creation by Mike Somerville: “When we are abused, we often see ourselves as the ‘ugly duckling’. However, God sees the perfect, healed, and beautiful swan that we are. 1 Corinthians 5:17 ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come / the old is gone, the new is here.’” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

The winners of this year’s show were announced by Christina House Program Director Beth Schmitt, Columbiana County Municipal Court Judge Tim McNicol, Columbiana County Commissioner Time Weigle, Columbiana County Jobs and Family Services Personnel Administrator Jill Jurjavcic, and the Columbiana County Board of Mental Health and Recovery assesses treatment director Lori Colian. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

First Place Winner Desperation by Melissa Seltz. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Runner-up Silent Tears by Kaleb Arkwright: “This artwork represents the mental and emotional abuse my mother endured with my father. Mirrored outward.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Jackie Sabbato’s God Believes You, third place winner: “I believe you. Do you hear? Listen: The idea of ​​a panther chasing someone has been in my head ever since my dear friend was attacked alone in her own neighborhood on a beautiful fall morning. On the topic “Are you listening? Listen,” I decided to portray how easily we get distracted from true listening. The houses have closed doors and no windows because often, for one reason or another, we don’t want to interfere and therefore prefer not to listen. As for the crucifix in the painting, that was entirely God’s idea – hence the title ‘God Believes You’.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Saturday’s event was a great success and attracted many people. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Saint Joan of Arc by Marina Davis: “I was inspired to paint Joan of Arc because she is the patron saint of rape victims.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Prayer is Putting on the Armor of God by Lori Hum: “My inspiration: I may not trust where I am or who I am with, but I can always trust God. Prayer will bring about the changes within me to set me free.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)