Voices of Resilience: An Artist Showcase for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

By Olivia Summer and Julia Wojcik

A hidden gem was excavated last week to honor so many voices we don’t get to hear. A special event to highlight sexual assault awareness took place at the Harbor Center.

Artwork showcased at the event. (Photo by Olivia Summer)

 “The goal of [the event] is to create an artistic, creative outlet for students in an environment that fosters support, advocacy, resiliency and empowerment,” said Sara Herskowitz, the Purchase health promotion coordinator.

 The room was full of art created by students, both anonymous and claimed, set up to create a warm and welcoming space. The event began with a vocal performance by singer and guitarist Genevieve Hanna, a junior studio composition major, accompanied by student pianist Devdan Wade. Their performance aimed to raise awareness and encourage advocacy around interpersonal violence.

 “I wrote it a bit further back,” said Hanna. “You have your own trauma and stuff that gets triggered, and you get inspiration from that.”

Hanna on guitar and Wade on piano during their performance. (Photo by Julia Wojcik)

 After the performance, students had the opportunity to explore the artwork on display. The event is intentionally open-ended, with no strict submission guidelines, so that each submission is authentic to the artist. It highlights a range of voices, including musicians, poets, painters and survivors, and centers around themes of recovery, resilience and community support. There was a small buffet on the side of the room for people to enjoy and talk, creating another source of support for so many.

 The creator of the event, Catherine Van Bomel, coordinator of victims' assistance and educational services, was there to host and make sure everyone felt safe and supported.

 “We’ve been doing this for what feels like ages,” Van Bomel said. “The idea came from the organization RAINN [Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network], and we started to implement it at a bunch of colleges.”

 This showcase is part of broader April programming that focuses on sexual assault awareness and prevention, alongside ongoing education efforts from campus health and counseling services.

Van Bomel notes that participants include both survivors and advocates, and that “each submission is unique in its messaging,” allowing individuals to engage in ways that feel personal and meaningful. Attendees are meant to leave with a greater understanding, as the event helps people recognize the value of creativity throughout the healing process.

 While the event was important and supported by the administration, it was not widely attended by students. There was a decent crowd, but not what those in charge may have expected.

 “We did a broadcast email and tried to post something on Instagram,” said Kayleigh Howard, graduate intern at the Health Center. “If students have a way to reach more people so that they will plan to be here, that would be great.”

Artwork displayed at the event. (Photo by Olivia Summer)

 While the crowd may have been small, it was supremely mighty and treated every person involved with respect. Organizers hope to continue it as a yearly tradition, reinforcing the importance of student participation, with Van Bomel adding that “students talking with other students…are our best allies.”