PARIS — April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. REACH, the Rape Education and Crisis Hot Line serving Oxford County, Harrison and Bridgton, will host the 21st annual Speakout and Survivor Art Exhibit at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Norway Public Library.
Speakout is a time for survivors and those who support them to gather in a safe environment to speak about their experiences. An optional candlelight walk will lead participants to the Western Maine Art Group Cooperative Gallery (480 Main St., Norway) for a reception and the Survivor Art Exhibit. All survivors and supportive family, friends or community members are invited.
There will be an open house from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at the art exhibit in honor of “National Shoutout” Day. This day has been set aside to break the silence that has crippled victims of sexual violence. REACH has opened the art gallery on this day as a powerful reminder that survivors have a voice, and are heard.
The exhibit will be on display from April 9 to the 20, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Several forms of expression and art will be presented at the events this year. There will be musical performances, poetry and writings.
In support of the Clothesline Project, people can purchase handmade pins at the Wild Rose in Bethel, Morning Dew Natural Foods in Bridgton, Sweet Peas in Bridgton, or at the REACH office. Call the REACH office at 207-743-9777 or e-mail info@reachmaine.org for more, information or to participate in either the Speakout, the art exhibit, or both.
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