Art show to stop the violence

In honor of International Women’s Day, and V-Day’s annual One Billion Rising event, the V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos group is excited to be hosting ‘Stop the Violence: A Celebration and Art Show’ at the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) Community Hall in Oliver on March 8th from 3 to 6 p.m.

2014 0209-OBR Art  poster final

This celebration will feature local artists displaying work in a variety of mediums with the theme of ‘Metamorphosis’, posing questions such as – How can we stop violence? What is required to change violence (bullying, hate, fear, rape, bigotry) into caring? How can we transform the darkness in the hearts and minds of the aggressor into lightness, and how do we teach empathy?

At this event there will be something for everyone to enjoy and experience, including guest speakers, traditional dancers, musicians, refreshments and a wine reception.

This is a unique opportunity to have “communities sharing feelings and creating awareness to find ways to stop violence through different expressions of Art, from dance and music to visual,” explains Art Committee leader Norberto Rodriguez de la Vega. “In this context, Art becomes a community tool that can facilitate and inspire social change.”

“It’s a chance to develop deeper understanding and appreciation of Art’s role to inspire and motivate in attitudes for a change,” said volunteer Olena Lennox, “while bringing our diverse and vibrant community together.”

Also taking place on March 8th will be the draw for the 2nd Annual V-Day Raffle. The prizes this year include a 2 night stay at Spirit Ridge Resort, courtesy of Chief Clarence Louie; a 4 course dinner for ten catered by Parties and Pies, and a gift basket of Gourmet Baked Goods from Bibi’s Culinary Delights. V-Day volunteers will be selling tickets at a variety of locations in both Oliver and Osoyoos over the month of February, so be sure to pick some up and help support this great cause.

““This is going to be an amazing event and because this topic affects all of us, in some form or another,” said volunteer Ursula Wick, “it’s important that we come out to show our support.”

“I became involved in V-Day because I believe whole heartedly that violence against women of all nationalities needs to come to an end!” shared volunteer Darlene George. “It is very unfortunate that even in a developed country such as Canada that there could still be a statistically and drastic difference on violence rates among First Nations women and girls. Being a First Nations Woman in Canada means that we are seven times more likely to experience domestic violence, be raped or become a murder victim than other Canadian Woman. I find that this statistic makes me physically ill and being a First Nation woman, I find it impossible to stand by and do nothing. Being a part of V-Day has given me an outlet to bring these horrible statistics to light in hopes of making a difference so that my daughter has the same chance, to live violence free, as is the right of every other Canadian.”

Listen to a radio interview with V-Day Oliver Osoyoos member Ursula Wick on EZ Rock:

http://www.vdayoliverosoyoos.org/audio/ursula.mp3