The Freedom Gallery for Girls is a unique project that enlists artists to create art about and in support of the strength and freedom of girls. The sex industry is estimated to be exploiting as many as three million children each year, with girls making up 98% of its victims. FGG artists are taking action to raise awareness, incite action and garner funds to support change in response to this crisis.
This powerful exhibition features 4 arts-based projects that share a mission to support the rights of women and girls vulnerable to exploitation and violence and 10 accomplished artists from the Tri-State Region who have created art to support this work. Projects represented in this show include The Ragdoll project, Priya’s Shakti, The Bunny Project, and The Freedom Gallery for Girls. Acrylic painting by Tremain Smith, work by Rachel Bliss and embroidered portraits by Bonnie MacAllister will be among the array of individual artists’ works on display.
While respecting the gravity of the exploitation of women and girls in the commercial sex trade, the art in this exhibition delivers a message of hope, pointing to the dignity, rights and potential of girls.
Fifty percent of sales proceeds will be donated to Room to Read, Apne Aap, and Polaris, NGOs selected for their success in targeting prevention through education and restoration through survivor services and advocacy.
Founder Julie Rosen will continue to curate a series of shows while building a larger collection and activating a community of participants through outreach, social media and exhibition. Please contact her at julierae100@gmail.com to participate in future exhibitions or to contribute to the growth of this project. Visit the webpage to learn more and to see our artists’ incredible work. http://julierae100.wix.com/freedom-gallery
The Freedom Gallery: Art Supporting the Power of Women and Girls
March 1-March 31, 2016
The New School
4th floor Skywalk
(between 65 W. 11th Street and 66 W. 12th Street)
New York, NY 10011
Panel Discussion and Arts launch
Thursday, March 1st, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
66 W. 12th Street
Spoken word artistry of Ursula Rucker and a panel discussion with featured artists and program leaders including Ram Devineni and Lina Srivastava, Joanna Fulginiti and Bonnie MacAllister, founders of the Ragdoll Project. Participate in making a piece for the show!
