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Art Fights Violence Against Women

Sunrise Of Pasco County

A work by local artist MeloD will be auctioned off to benefit Sunrise of Pasco County. The group is seeking more donations.

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune Correspondent

Published: January 22, 2009

DADE CITY - When it comes to educating people about domestic violence and sexual assault, Sunrise of Pasco County can get pretty creative.

The nonprofit organization, which helps victims deal with abuse, is organizing performances of "The Vagina Monologues" next month and is inviting local artists to submit artwork that can be displayed at the shows.

The performances will be fundraisers for Sunrise, and the artwork will be auctioned off to benefit the group.

"We wanted to do something different and include as many people as we could," said Christina Bates, a community organizer with Sunrise. "We also want to get young artists involved in the display."

Sunrise is looking for all kinds of art - painting, photography, quilts and works in other media - centered on the theme of "Changing the Story of Women."

"Much of the art will concern women's experiences, and what the world will be like when violence ends," Bates said.

"The Vagina Monologues" will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and 21 at the Groves Golf and Country Club, 7937 Shaddock Place in Land O' Lakes.

Sunrise is also presenting a one-man show Friday that deals with sexual assault and dating violence. Comic Ben Atherton-Zeman will perform "Voices of Men" at 7 p.m. Friday at the Pasco Middle School Auditorium, 13925 14th St.

In his performance, Atherton-Zeman shows men how they can become part of the solution in ending violence against women.

The show uses dramatic skits and PowerPoint presentations.

He also will be meeting with Pasco Middle's antiviolence group Pirates of Peace that day.

The message will be the same, but the people at Sunrise are hoping to strike a chord by using art to talk to people about domestic violence and sexual assault.

"Art is very powerful," Bates said. "People can come to the performances and get a different interpretation of issues facing women.

"This way we can attract a different crowd, to get as many people involved as possible."

SUBMIT YOUR ART

Sunrise of Pasco County is looking for local artwork to accompany performances of "The Vagina Monologues" next month. The theme of the display is, "Changing the Story of Women."

Artists must sign their work and include a brief statement about the piece and the artist. Artists will be responsible for the cost of their materials and will receive a ticket to The Vagina Monologues performance upon submission. Art must be submitted by Feb. 2. For information, call (352) 521-3358, or e-mail jmacholeth@sunrisepasco.org.

'VOICES OF MEN'

Ben Atherton-Zeman will perform "Voices of Men," at 7 p.m. Friday at the Pasco Middle School auditorium, 13925 14th St. in Dade City. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. Call (352) 521-3358.

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