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NCCC to host art exhibit as part of domestic violence awareness event

Pairs of shoes like these have been altered to reflect the experience of domestic violence as part of “Journey Shoes” an art exhibit at North Country Community College’s Malone campus. (Photo provided)

MALONE – North Country Community College is raising awareness of domestic violence through a powerful and unique art exhibit that will be unveiled during its Take Back the Night rally on Oct. 26 at the college’s Malone campus.

“Journey Shoes” will feature pairs of shoes that have been altered to illustrate what it’s like to experience or witness domestic violence.

“The idea is the shoes become symbolic of domestic violence awareness, by walking in my shoes or taking a journey in my shoes,” said Renee Poirier, an assistant professor of human services at the college who is helping to organize the event. “It may be a real personal thing for some people. It may be that they know friends or family who have been victims of domestic abuse, or it may represent the messages people get from society about violence toward women.”

Students, faculty and staff at the college, as well as the public, are encouraged to alter a pair of shoes for the exhibit. Bins of shoes and art supplies have been placed in the lobbies of the Ballard Mill and Reshetkina Hall buildings, and people can bring in their own shoes.

The “Journey Shoes” exhibit will be displayed during the college’s Take Back the Night event on Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The evening begins with an opening reception, after which NCCC English Professor Dr. Stacey Mascia-Susice and her sister Kerri Sue Torres will deliver a series of readings and invite others to speak about domestic violence. The event will close with a burning ritual, Poirier said.

“People can write a comment with their thoughts about domestic violence, or a person’s name who was been abusive to them, and burn those pieces of paper,” she said.

“Journey Shoes” and the college’s Take Back the Night event are being organized by the NCCC Malone Art Club, Human Services Club and Student Government Association, in partnership with the Franklin County Intimate Partner Violence Task Force.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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