BRIGHTON — Kim Dressel and Michelle Wolff are putting on an art show that might draw a crowd, but probably not the artists.
Dressel and Wolff want survivors of sexual assault or those connected to the survivors to produce paintings, drawings or photography for display in the spring.
The idea is for those who can’t express how sexual assault changed them in words to do so with oils or a camera.
“I think a lot of survivors struggle with how to express themselves, and I don’t think our society really has the words to express what they went through,” said Wolff, coordinator for the 17th Judicial District Sexual Assault Response Team. “They need an emotional outlet, and art, I believe, is easier for them to access.”
Wolff, an artist, thought that an art exhibit would be the perfect canvas for assault victims to put their fears, anger and other feelings on display. She found an ally in Dressel, victim services coordinator for the Brighton Police Department.
Dressel also wanted a new way to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is in April. “In the past, we’ve kind of concentrated on the perpetrators of sexual assault. This looked like a good way to concentrate on the survivors,” Dressel said.
“Some victims say the experience taught them something about themselves,” Dressel said.
About 30 pieces will be selected for The Armory at the Brighton Cultural Center and displayed April 12 through May 1.
The themes will focus on recovery and healing after an assault. Artwork may include all 2D forms of painting, drawings and photography.
Wolff said submissions should not be graphic. “This will be something the whole family will see.”
Submissions are accepted via e-mail through Feb. 29. If a submission is accepted, the artist will be notified by March 10.
Dressel and Wolff say anyone can submit artwork, even those considered underage. Also invited are members of the gay, lesbian and transgender communities, Dressel said.
The only requirements, she said, are that all artists must live in the 17th Judicial District, which includes communities in Adams County or the city and county of Broomfield.
Artists do not have to identify themselves with their artwork. “We anticipate most of the artists will be anonymous,” Dressel said.
For many sexual-assault victims, there is a social stigma to the attack that is almost impossible to overcome. Dressel points out that a vast majority of those who are sexually assaulted — possibly as high as 80 percent — don’t report the crime to police.
“The (criminal justice) system is so hard on many victims,” Wolff said. “So many times, the system turns on what the victim supposedly did.”
The art exhibit can offer an outlet for sexual-assault survivors that they can’t access anywhere else, she said.
“They can say, ‘Yes, this happened to me. But I’m still here.’ ”
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
