Exhibition

Insomnia [Awakening]: Works by Chandra Garsson

February 18 - March 27, 2004 | Insomnia [Awakening] website

Chandra Garsson's exhibition, Insomnia [Awakening], focuses on the culture of violence that perpetrates child abuse and sexual abuse of women, as told through the personal experiences of one local artist. The effects of child abuse and sexual assault are manifold at the scene of the trauma: pain, terror and humiliation wreak havoc in the mind and emotions.

Lifelong repercussions can touch every aspect of the survivor's existence. Chandra Garsson's artistic journey is a profound reflection on the dignity of those who survive crimes of violence and neglect. By confronting violent crime as individuals and as a society, we empower the survivor, disempowering the criminal, and protect potential victims. Let us, as a community, open our eyes to the reality around us. Let us converse, tell, report, listen, and open our hearts to the survivors among us.

This exhibition is supported by the Oakland City Council and by the City of Oakland's Cultural Funding Program. A catalogue of the works, each accompanied by a written account of the artist's experiences, will be available for sale during the exhibition.

In conjunction with the exhibition, four to five authors will perform once a week. Most of the authors will be poets. The last night will also include an open mic where people will be encouraged to voice their thoughts about the issue of abuse through poetry or just heartfelt feelings. Musician Steven Halpern, as well as others, will lend their healing music to this event.

All poetry programs were curated by Kim McMillon.
Each begin at 7 PM at Pro Arts:

• WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25: The Courage to Heal by Ellen Bass Renowned author will be giving a talk on the importance of creativity and healing in the recovery process. She will be reading poetry and prose with several of her poetry students. $8-10 at the door.


• THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26: Men's Night - Film showing of Last Chance for Eden by Lee Mun Wah. A conversation with Mars & Venus. $3-7 at the door.


• THURSDAY, MARCH 4: Poetry Reading with Teresa LeYung Ryan, Chokwadi (Moderator), Mark G., and Felicia Thompson. $3-7 at the door.


• THURSDAY, MARCH 11: Poetry Reading featuring poets Claire Ortalda, Adelle Foley, Mary Mackey, and Wendy Williams. $3-7 at the door.


• THURSDAY, MARCH 18: Poetry by Avotcja (Moderator), John Tnuni, Leslie Simon, Asante George, with violin accompaniment by Gael Alcock. $3-7 at the door.


• THURSDAY, MARCH 25: Poetry by Debra Grace Khattab (Moderator), Mary Rudge, Jennifer Stone, Alta, and Shailja Patel. $3-7 at the door.