FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Traveling Art Installation Offers Safe Place for Survivors of Violence to Begin Healing
“Sacred Space” exhibit to be introduced during Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April 1, 2025 (AIKEN, SC) – An outdoor traveling art installation offering survivors of violence, particularly domestic and sexual violence, a safe place to reflect on their stories and start to heal will be unveiled this month in Aiken.
The “Sacred Space” project is a collaboration between Aiken artist Wendelin Russell, the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA), and Interfaith Partners of South Carolina to invoke hope and healing for survivors of violence and foster community connection.
On Sunday, April 13, the installation will be introduced during the 11:00 am service at the Aiken Unitarian Universalist Church at 115 Gregg Avenue in Aiken, SC. April Jordan, director of outreach at the Cumbee Center, will speak at the event. Information on community resources and support available to help survivors will also be shared. The media and the public are invited to attend.
Russell created the 8’ tall open-air structure by attaching dozens of multi-color ribbons to a square metal frame with each ribbon color representing a different type of violence. Survivors can enter the installation for a moment of reflection and share their story on a ribbon. The wind flowing through the ribbons illustrates the letting go of their experience and an opportunity for healing.
“Survivors walk into the space, look up at the sky and clouds, and write something on a ribbon that is a release for them – a hope, a prayer, an appeal. The ribbon stays and their story is not forgotten,” Russell shared.
Installation Ribbon Awareness Colors:
Purple: domestic violence
Teal: sexual assault
Dark blue: child abuse
Orange: gun violence and teen dating violence
White: violence against women
Black: mourning
Gold: prayers and healing
The art installation will travel throughout the state appearing at places of worship and multi-cultural community events.
“This reflection space is a visualization of connection through faith and lets survivors know that they are not alone,” said Kelly Premo, SCCADVASA director of prevention and specialized advocacy.
About SCCADVASA:
The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) serves as the collective voice promoting the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault in South Carolina. Our statewide coalition is made up of the 22 sexual assault and domestic violence direct service and advocacy programs in South Carolina and other allied organizations. Learn more at www.sccadvasa.org or visit our online interactive map at sccadvasa.org/get-help/ to find support for survivors near you.
About Interfaith Partners of South Carolina:
The mission of Interfaith Partners of South Carolina is to bring together people of diverse religious, spiritual, and secular paths throughout the state to cultivate a more harmonious community. Learn more: https://interfaithpartnersofsc.org/
If you, your congregation or faith group experience harassment, vandalism or violence, you may call our emergency hotline: 1-888-849-1513 or email us at ipsc@interfaithpartnersofsc.org.