Courtesy Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center.
Eloquently illustrating the potential of art to heal, empower and assist with social change, Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center unveiled the Wall of Witness on April 4 in an opening reception to mark the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
A mural and collection of artwork and poetry contributed by the community and exploring the theme of “Believe Me: Celebrating the Courage and Resilience of Sexual Assault Survivors,” the Wall of Witness concept was created by local Artist Brandon Stontag, who called it “an opportunity for me to contribute to the valiant efforts of SBRCC.”
He continued, “I think it is a great idea to use art as a vehicle for
educating and increasing awareness. It is my hope that the mural will be inspirational, comforting and healing.”
“I am in awe of what is here visually,” said Congresswoman Lois Capps, an honorary board member of SBRCC who plans to reintroduce legislation to develop a process for health professionals to screen for evidence of sexual assault.
Poets Sojourner Kincaid Rolle and Theo Burnes, and artist Judi Weisbart spoke movingly about their contributions.
“This wall speaks so many words of such incredible worth,” said Weisbart. “Abuse is something that as humankind we must erase from this planet.”
KRUZ radio personality Bonnie Campbell, who is training to be an SBRCC advocate, was the emcee for the event. Other speakers included SBRCC board president Sylvia Hendlin and executive director Elsa Granados, who concluded the event by encouraging the audience — and make a commitment by a show of hands — to talk to others in the community about sexual assault.
“We want this message to permeate the community,” she said.
The Wall of Witness will travel to various Sexual Assault Awareness Month events and supporting venues, including:
– April 5-9: La Casa de la Raza, 601 E. Montecito St.
– April 9: Believe Me Dance-Off, Alano Club, 235 E. Cota St., 8 p.m., $10
– April 10-16: The Coffee Grinder, 910 Linden Ave., Carpinteria
– April 14: UCSB Take Back the Night March and Rally, Anisq Oyo Park, 5:30 p.m.
– April 17-23: Santa Barbara City College Library, 721 Cliff Drive
– April 23: Benefit Dance, La Casa de la Raza, 601 E. Montecito St., 7 p.m. — 1 a.m., $25
– April 27: Denim Day Rally, Santa Barbara City College Library, 721 Cliff Drive
– April 25-29: Dos Pueblos High School. 7266 Alameda Ave., Goleta