The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre will open a month-long public exhibition at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Monday, August 3, showcasing artworks created by women participating in its healing programs.
Running until Friday, August 28, the We Are exhibition brings together a collection of paintings, clay, stitching, and mixed-media works developed through therapeutic group sessions.
It celebrates the power of creativity and sisterhood in healing from domestic, family and sexual violence with artworks created by women engaging in the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre’s programs.
The pieces offer insight into the lived experiences of participants, highlighting themes of resilience, identity and recovery.
Alex Mlodziejewski, Group Work Coordinator at the Centre, says the exhibition is an opportunity for women to share their work.
“It takes courage to put these works into a public space,” Alex said. “This is an opportunity for us to speak about the power of creativity and to share what we do at the Centre.
Centre CEO, Elise Phillips, said: “This exhibition is a reminder that recovery is not linear, but it is possible when women are given the right support and safe spaces to heal.
“By opening this work to the public, we’re not only celebrating the strength and creativity of participants, but we’re also helping to build a more informed and compassionate community.”
During the exhibiting month, a series of facilitator-led workshops will be held, with members of the public invited to take part in sessions focused on clay work, visual art and stitching.
The workshops are designed to encourage community engagement and provide a hands-on introduction to creative practices used in trauma-informed care.
Entry to the exhibition is free. Workshop details will be announced soon.