2008 Woodie Awards
A survivor's exhibit
By: Ashante Thomas
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: News
An estimated 21 sexual assaults take place on CMU's campus each week, according to the Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates.
Nine sexual assault survivors have their pictures on the walls of the Bovee University Center.
"Spoken: Painted Photographs and Testimonies of Sexual Aggression Survivors" raises awareness about sexual assault and gives an identity to these victims.
The nine-painting exhibit was commissioned by Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates in 2006.
"We get approached by a lot of people who want survivor panels," said Susanne Stefanski, SAPA administrator and counselor. "But that is so much stress on that person to have to relive it."
Since the exhibit premiered in 2007, creator and Shepard senior Kyle Butler added three additional paintings to the originally six-piece display.
Butler said it took six months to complete the project, which also features audio testimonies. Through the process, Butler said he gained a better awareness of sexual assault.
"I couldn't think of a more effective way to have it hammered in my mind that this actually exists," he said. "This is a problem that needs to be addressed."
His new consciousness also changed the way he interacted with people.
"Any form of male aggression stands out more," Butler said. "Now I'm quicker to dismiss, 'Well, this guy's kind of a jackass. I'm not going to talk to him.'"
Even SAPA members left the exhibit with a better understanding of sexual assault.
It inspires peoples to take action, said Troy senior Matthew Campbell.
"There's something they can do to stop sexual aggression," he said. "It may just be listening to someone."
The artistic take on awareness attracts a crowd who previously may not have attended SAPA events, said Kalamazoo junior and advocate Megan Sdudder.
"It reaches further," she said. "It touches the people who are interested in art."
For the first time the exhibit includes a portrait of a male survivor.
Nine sexual assault survivors have their pictures on the walls of the Bovee University Center.
"Spoken: Painted Photographs and Testimonies of Sexual Aggression Survivors" raises awareness about sexual assault and gives an identity to these victims.
The nine-painting exhibit was commissioned by Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates in 2006.
"We get approached by a lot of people who want survivor panels," said Susanne Stefanski, SAPA administrator and counselor. "But that is so much stress on that person to have to relive it."
Since the exhibit premiered in 2007, creator and Shepard senior Kyle Butler added three additional paintings to the originally six-piece display.
Butler said it took six months to complete the project, which also features audio testimonies. Through the process, Butler said he gained a better awareness of sexual assault.
"I couldn't think of a more effective way to have it hammered in my mind that this actually exists," he said. "This is a problem that needs to be addressed."
His new consciousness also changed the way he interacted with people.
"Any form of male aggression stands out more," Butler said. "Now I'm quicker to dismiss, 'Well, this guy's kind of a jackass. I'm not going to talk to him.'"
Even SAPA members left the exhibit with a better understanding of sexual assault.
It inspires peoples to take action, said Troy senior Matthew Campbell.
"There's something they can do to stop sexual aggression," he said. "It may just be listening to someone."
The artistic take on awareness attracts a crowd who previously may not have attended SAPA events, said Kalamazoo junior and advocate Megan Sdudder.
"It reaches further," she said. "It touches the people who are interested in art."
For the first time the exhibit includes a portrait of a male survivor.
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