We invite you to attend our Collective Art Show on October 9th from 5:30-7:30pm.
The Gallery Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa, FL 33618
On October 9th we invite you to learn more about or revisit the issues of human trafficking and domestic abuse, through a unique art exhibition where three art shows will come together with a common purpose: to spread awareness through art.
For this purpose, three distinct art exhibitions at The Gallery at Carrollwood Cultural Center will be hosted: the GOAT Project, “Faces of Human Trafficking”, and Joy Based Living.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the state of Florida ranks third in the United States when it comes to cases of human trafficking. In light of this, our community should think of ways to contribute in the prevention of these crimes. Whether it be volunteering and supporting anti-trafficking efforts in our communities, educating children and parents on how human traffickers target and recruit youth, or letting local, state, and federal elected officials know that combating human trafficking is an important issue to us, their constituents.
The three art shows have already brought awareness to the subject of human trafficking in their own ways. A collection of artists have helped through the GOAT project. The GOAT project, which stands for the Global Offensive Against Trafficking, is an art-based fundraising campaign for the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children. Several goat statues – from the total 55 life-size goat statues that will be showcased in the upcoming Superbowl – will be exhibited.
“Faces of Human Trafficking” are a collection of paintings created by Jennifer Thomas Houdeshell. An artist based in Tampa that has dedicated her life to illustrating children’s books and combating human trafficking through her artwork. Houdeshell shows in her paintings that “all around us, but seemingly invisible to most eyes, are the faces of human trafficking. Come, see these paintings and learn to be more aware so that you can help make a difference.”
The Joy Based Living Art Show is a female art collective whose members have been victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and exploitation. They tell their stories through their artwork and in turn helping other victims of abuse… The Joy Based Living Art Show is made up of Debbie Happy Cohen, Michele Stone, Claudia Dose, Juli Jordan, Amy Gregory, Vito Acosta, Catarina De Hoyos, DeJoly LaBrier, Elisa Dolan Petit, Heather Nicely, and Kimberly Finn.
For the first time, these three exhibitions will all be in one space available to the public.
Join the Art Reception on October 9, 5:30 to 7:30pm at The Gallery Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd. Tampa 33618 Florida
For more information contact curator Michele Stone at (813) 922-8167