City Hall Exhibit Puts Focus on Healing, Hope After Domestic Violence

Artwork created by survivors of domestic violence will fill a public space at Pasadena City Hall Thursday evening as a local organization uses art to spotlight stories of healing, resilience and life beyond abuse.

Shepherd’s Door Domestic Violence Resource Center will present “Every Color Tells a Story” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, upstairs on the Bridge at City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave.

The healing art exhibition will feature work created by survivors, their families and community members, using creative expression to share experiences that organizers say can sometimes be difficult to put into words.

The event’s theme, “Art Heals. Voices Empower. Communities Change,” reflects its focus on recovery, awareness and community engagement.

“‘Every Color Tells a Story’ gives survivors an opportunity to reclaim their voices, express what words sometimes cannot, and show our community that there is life, purpose and possibility after domestic violence,” said Tunisia Offray, managing director and president of Shepherd’s Door Domestic Violence Resource Center.

“Healing doesn’t look the same for everyone, but when we create spaces where survivors feel seen, heard and supported, we remind them that they are more than what happened to them,” Offray said. “They are resilient, powerful and capable of creating a beautiful life beyond abuse.”

The exhibition comes as October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an annual observance intended to raise awareness about domestic violence and support survivors.

Thursday’s event is sponsored by Mayor Victor Gordo and District 3 Councilmember Justin Jones in collaboration with the Commission on the Status of Women.

Light refreshments will be served.

Shepherd’s Door provides resources and support to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Organizers said the City Hall exhibition is intended to provide a public space where survivors and community members can express their experiences while drawing attention to healing, resilience and the possibility of rebuilding after abuse.

The exhibition is scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave.