Aurora library to host Survivors' Art Show April 1

Mutual Ground Inc. invites the community to its upcoming "Survivors' Art Show" from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library of Aurora, 101 S. River St. The show coincides with both "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" and First Fridays events in downtown Aurora.

In addition to art, the event will include musical performances, poetry readings and a short theatrical piece. Art exhibited will include pieces completed by Mutual Ground's clients as part of their healing journey and art contributed by community members interested in supporting Mutual Ground and raising awareness about sexual assault/abuse issues.

"The issue of sexual assault is a tough topic to discuss; it's a topic that at its core has a level of secrecy to it. We have been really pleased with and are excited about all of the community members who have stepped up and decided to join us in bringing awareness to this common, yet often hidden issue," said Amy Medlin, Sexual Assault Program Coordinator.

The exhibit will include a silent art auction of work by local artists. The auction is denim-themed and focuses on the topics of healing, growth, strength, recovery and survival. All proceeds from the auction will directly benefit Mutual Ground.

Denim became a symbol of the anti-sexual assault movement following a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a sexual-assault conviction based on the court's belief that the tight jeans of the victim must have been removed with her assistance, thereby implying consent. This decision sparked widespread protest and the beginning of the "Denim Day" campaign, a national campaign encouraging individuals to wear jeans on "Denim Day" as a symbol of protest against destructive attitudes about sexual assault. This year "Denim Day" is on April 29.

Mutual Ground is a nonprofit organization that focuses on prevention, intervention and ongoing support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Located in Aurora, Mutual Ground serves the Greater Aurora area, Southern Kane, and all of Kendall County. To learn more about Mutual Ground and the services it provides, visit www.mutualground.org or call (630) 897-0084.