Mural Unveiling Public Event: Sat, Oct. 2 2010

We had beautiful weather and a great turnout for the official inauguration of the mural. There were live performances, survivors of domestic violence speaking about their experiences and reading poetry, refreshments, and speakers including the artist Joel Bergner, Ward 5 Counselmember Harry Thomas, and DASH director Peg Hacskaylo. Thanks to everyone who came out and everyone who supported  this project!

Batalá performs at the Mural Unveiling

A great turnout!

DASH director Peg Hacskaylo and Ward 5 Counselmember Harry Thomas

Joel Bergner speaking about the project

A survivor of domestic violence shares her story and her poetry

The scaffolding comes down!

Almost done...

As the mural nears completion, DASH and Joel are organizing a free public event for Saturday, Oct. 2 in front of the mural, from 3- 6pm. It will feature a presentation of the mural, survivors of domestic violence telling their stories, live music, food, and spoken word poetry.

The painting begins!

Through the hot, sticky summer of 2010, Joel worked on the mural...

Mural Design and finding the perfect wall

By mid- summer, we had raised enough money to go ahead with the mural project. Joel conducted interviews with DASH staff members and clients who had been victims of domestic violence, and used these stories as inspiration for the design of the mural.  A great location was chosen: 3740 12th Street NE, in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington DC, home of Brookland Cafe. The owners of the business and property were welcoming and excited about the project, and were very supportive throughout the process.

Fundraising: March- June 2010

In order to raise money for the Domestic Violence Awareness Mural, DASH and Joel ran a fundraising campaign for months in the spring of 2010 through the website kickstarter.com. They also organized a successful fundraiser event, shown below. Thanks to everyone who supported the project!