As part of the Courage Ablaze exhibit at ArtPrize 2012, this window sign honors the two million women who suffered from the consequences of rape in Congo.
Mass rape is cheaper than bullets, and it creates instability. The women feel defenseless; the men are rendered powerless. The goal of sexual violence is simple: Shame the women. Break the men. Destroy the nation.
For their sake—to honor their pain and courage, I dedicate this work.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Dr. Martin Luther King
A man said, “This is not just a work of art for you; it’s a commitment. You have touched my heart.” Then he started crying.
Your artwork is beautiful and disturbing.
A terrific tribute to the African people.
Thank you for doing something to show their plight.
Thank you. This story needs to be told.
The true tragedy is that those violated are made to feel guilty.
I was looking forward to see what you did this year for ArtPrize.
I love what you are doing with your impressions of the beautiful people of Africa! Pat
Thank you for sharing your vision. Lisa
Absolutely stunning and breathtaking. Mariah
Thank you for sharing humanity and inhumanity. We pray for all.
God bless you and these amazing women! BKS
Thank you for sharing the pain.
God has used you to spread the truth. Sharon
Gorgeous display of your God-given talent! Bethany
My mom wept. How amazing.
The expressions are so authentic.
The stories make the pictures come alive!
Keep your faith. We love you.
Beautiful! Inspiring! Powerful! Resilient! But we can feel the healing peace in the music. VS
Remember your piece last year. You move me to tears. Kat
Thank you for sharing these ladies and their stories! Beautifully portrayed!!
Thank you for sharing these stories. Thank you for your beauty and strength and setting such an amazing example for all of us!
You can feel your inspiration.
I am from Zimbabwe. When I heard your music, I started crying. Can’t even describe the feeling.
I remember your Healing Tree. It is wonderful that you use your art to send a powerful message.
After another 50,000 votes were cast, more visitors weigh in on Courage Ablaze:
Your art room transcends time. It’s unlike other art in that you don’t get that quick rush of awe. You have to find yourself in the room—then you’re suddenly taken over by the art and you’re taken over by the story. Anne
Your pieces are always thought provoking.
Somehow the columns make the figures come alive.
Every year you have something to say that’s important. I appreciate your message.
You have a very deep heart for these women.
Thank you for dealing with the issues directly and speaking plainly.
Your compassion for these women shows in your artwork.
This display will bless you and break your heart at the same time.
Your art is bigger than the message that’s right there; it has longevity. I believe it will take off in ways that you can’t even imagine.
I can’t wait to see what you do next year.
Thank you for being a voice for the voiceless. The Honorable Governor Kabasu Babu
Strong women can always survive.
As a victim of rape myself. I applaud your help in healing. Carry on—courage!
This is an amazing portrayal of sorrow, suffering, and survival.
I love the stories behind your art! Your pictures of the women show their bravery!
What an amazing story of courage this exhibit tells! The spirit shown by these women as they work to build new lives should be an inspiration to us all.
God bless you and thank you for bringing these incredible stories to our attention.
Thank you for this beautiful work that tells powerful stories so few know about. Elizabeth
Your art is really good and the story is even better!!
Thank God for making you if He didn’t there would be no artwork. PJ
They are brave.
Thank you for your art and compassion. Barb
Thank you! They are women of courage! Jacque
Wonderful depth of knowledge. Their story needs to be heard.
Very moving as was your work last year and the year before. Sally
Pamela, I cried when I saw this. Stephanie
Beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. Laurie
Your work is very moving…so peaceful.
It’s wonderful that you think about these people.
You are brave.
Very touching. Agnes
It’s amazing! What a testimony to their amazing strength and God’s healing, power, and grace. Kristina
Thank you for your poignant artwork.
Your art is wonderful. Thanks for sharing your talent with us all. Maddie
What a journey it has been. One of courage, valor, strength, friendship and faith! Anna
Unique. There is courage and hope. Excellent!
This is amazing how you can think about what you make. Wonderful.
A truly amazing piece of artwork. Courage Ablaze is right!
Amazing work and thought.
Thank you for doing this. We need to hear the facts.
With Gratitude!
Sacred grown and holiness throughout the room. God bless you always!
So touched by your artwork! Blessings
One little girl came up to me and said, “I’m so sorry that the bad men took the woman’s child.”
Barnes & Noble and Starbucks of Rivertown Mall recently kicked off a monthly artist series during ArtPrize. They’ve invited me to be the first artist showcased in this new series. One friend wrote: “Today I was at Starbucks and looked up and saw some beautiful, heart moving art! Thankful you share the gift!”
While grabbing your Starbucks coffee, take a moment to relax and enjoy giclée watercolor reproductions of my 2012 ArtPrize entry Courage Ablaze. Three paintings from my series are being featured now until the end of October in the store café. Please let Barnes & Noble know that you appreciate their local support for the arts.
I would like to thank Macy’s and Barnes & Noble of Rivertown for their continued support of my ArtPrize entries.
• Macy’s of Rivertown (above left)
• Barnes & Noble of Rivertown (above right)