Walk Unafraid. April 1 - 30, 2006

Walk Unafraid Pittsfield
City Hall, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Red Collaborative Presents Public Art Installation
Artist-activist and Red Collaborative Founder, Gabrielle Senza, together with 12 workshop participants installed the Walk Unafraid Pittsfield public art project on Saturday, April 1, 2006 at City Hall in Pittsfield Massachusetts.

"I feel it was a very successful workshop," Senza states, "because all of the participants - many of whom have been in abusive relationships and have felt helpless, disempowered and ashamed - really felt at the end of the day that THEY now carry the torch for others.

"Each woman who participated, realizes she actually has the power within to do something important in the world. Not only were they each courageous enough to seek help at the women's shelter, but they also came out to take part in a public art project that helps raise awareness about the silent epidemic of abuse. They know they can now be a strong voice of support and encouragement to other women who are in dangerous relationships and follow their path to find help. I think we all felt incredibly uplifted and empowered at the end of the day. I couldn't ask for more than that!"

The twelve Red Collaborative participants (Melissa, Sue, Karen, Ana, Mary, Karen C. Olivia, Davina, Gabrielle, Lydia, Marnie & Tory) ranged in age from 8 to 48. Four came from the Freeman House, a shelter for abused women and children; two are therapists, two are teenagers, three are artists and one, a volunteer. Nine of the twelve are mothers. Eleven of the twelve were either victims of violence or related to someone who was a victim. They are ALL courageous! They are all survivors.

The installation will be on view through April 30, 2006
For more information, call Red Collaborative at 413.528.3917

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Berkshire County Kids' Place & Violence Prevention Center,
The Elizabeth Freeman Center, The City of Pittsfield, St. Stephen's Parish, Mayor James Ruberto, Hannah Anderson, Dana Brandon, Mary Campbell, Karen Cellini, Tom Ellis, Sue Kelly, Pam Malumphy, Katrina Mattson, Jim McGrath, Deborah Hammer-Phillips , Ananda Timpane, Megan Whilden, and Jeff Winslow.

"Walk Unafraid Pittsfield" was made possible in part with support from our sponsors:

• Berkshire United Way
• Canyon Ranch in Lenox
• Ben & Elaine Silberstein
• Mary & Akiva Talmi of SMI
• Workshop Live

Red Collaborative Offers Empowering Public Art Workshop This Saturday

This Saturday, join artist, educator and Red Collaborative founder, Gabrielle Senza, in creating a powerful public art installation called "Walk Unafraid." One of Red Collaborative's Creative Initiatives on Tough Issues, "Walk Unafraid" is a community-building project that gives survivors of abuse - as well as friends and family members - an opportunity to speak out against these devastating crimes.

Resembling a crime scene, "Walk Unafraid", will be installed in the Public Garden at Pittsfield's City Hall for the month of April, bringing awareness to the trauma of child abuse and sexual assault, and initiating public dialogue for social change.

A hands-on workshop run by Ms. Senza will take place on Saturday, April 1, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at St. Stephen's Parish on East Street in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. A nurturing, supportive environment where individual expression is encouraged will provide the basis for the day's workshop. Volunteers and workshop participants will create the makings of "Walk Unafraid", and are invited to bring silencing quotes, cautionary phrases and empowering slogans to use in the mock crime scene installation.


The Workshop will include a check-in circle, a variety of art-making activities, a processing circle and lunch. At 2:00 pm volunteers and participants will install the mock crime scene in the Public Garden at Pittsfield's City Hall, and end the workshop with an empowering closing circle.

A Suggested Donation of $10 or Pay-What-You-Will contribution will help offset the material and lunch costs of the workshop.


To register, please call 413.528.3917

At 5:00 pm, a candle-lighting ceremony, open to the public will honor those whose lives have been impacted by abuse and to acknowledge the courage and generosity of all who participated in giving voice to the voiceless through the Walk Unafraid Public Art Project.


The Walk Unafraid Public Art Project is provided as a public service, brought to you by the Red Collaborative and the organization's sponsors. For more information on what you can do to offer your support, please call 413528.3917

The Essential Facts:
Saturday, April 1, 2006
Workshop & Lunch
St. Stephen's Parish, East Street, Pittsfield Ma
($10 suggested donation, includes lunch)
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Install Public Art Piece
Corner of Federal & Allen Streets
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Public Ceremony
Pittsfield's City Hall, Allen Street
5:00 - 6:00 pm

PLEASE CALL TO REGISTER: 413.528.3917

Photo credit: Julie Brown, copyright 2003