Art is a powerful means of expression. It gives voice to its creator’s thoughts and emotions and can move those who view it in many ways. Art can make us feel happy or sad, peaceful or agitated. But what if art could also be a powerful force for good?

Photo Courtesy of Rose Brooks Center

Come see how art – along with you – can be an amazing agent of change. On Friday, March 3, from 5 to 8 pm, enjoy an evening of art, music, and drinks at Buttonwood Art Space in Kansas City, Mo. During the night’s opening reception for the “Art of Discovery” exhibition, each piece of art sold benefits Rose Brooks Center, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence so individuals and families can live free of abuse.

“Art of Discovery” provides a perfect showcase for a variety of artists to display their talent. Subject matter will vary, and may include joyous, brightly colored pieces, images depicting strength, or images that are inspiring and uplifting ones. The show’s theme of discovery ties in perfectly with the mission of Rose Brooks Center: A chance for victims of domestic violence to discover a life free of abuse and fear, and a chance to discover how strong they are and how much they can accomplish once they’re out of their situation’s vicious cycle.

Art is, of course, subjective, and open to your own individual interpretation. A piece that “speaks” to you may not speak to someone else. Different mediums also resonate with different people, which is why Art of Discovery may include: paintings, photographs, 3D pieces, fiber works, jewelry, and much more. 50% of artwork sales will go directly to the participating artists, with the remaining 50% benefiting Rose Brooks Center. So when you buy a piece of art, you’re also helping to buy a victim peace of mind.

The Art of Discovery runs now through March 22. You can view the exhibition during regular museum hours.

About Rose Brooks Center:

In the mid-1970s, a small group of ER nurses in Kansas City, Mo. noticed a recurrence of victims coming into the hospital due to injuries and other symptoms resulting from domestic violence. They called on the community to provide additional support for victims, and a task force was created with nurses, police, court systems and other community resources.

In 1978, that task force met the family of Rosa Brooks. Rosa (who went by Rose) was a generous woman who always helped those in her community, so when she died, the Brooks family donated her home in her honor to the task force.

Rose Brooks Center was established in October of that same year and in 1979, the doors to the new Rose Brooks Center emergency shelter opened. Within 24 hours, all 19 beds were full. Each year, Rose Brooks Center reaches over 14,000 individuals and pets. While hundreds of individuals find safety in emergency shelter, thousands more are served outside of shelter each year. Because of the generosity of Rosa Brooks and her family, the center has grown into the largest one-site, comprehensive care facility for domestic violence survivors in the state of Missouri.

Its comprehensive programming and community partners continue to this day, with innovative ways to prevent and end the cycle of domestic violence. To learn more about the center’s community outreach, please visit the Rose Brooks Center Community Outreach page.

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