Creatrix Rising – Exploring Stories through Art – Art Exhibit
Archway Society for Domestic Peace wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the Creatrix Rising Art Exhibit such a success! From the volunteers and many visitors who came through the exhibit to the generous artist mentors and supporters who helped bring it all together—this event was truly a celebration of creativity and bravery of the incredible 6 artists who shared their creative works of art.
Creatrix Rising is a program of Archway Society that helps survivors of domestic violence explore their stories through art. From September through February 2025, art workshops in a variety of mediums were offered by artist mentors. Some of the participants, which we also refer to as the artists, choose to put their art into the Creatrix Rising Exhibit.
The Creatrix Rising Exhibit opened on March 7th with a great celebratory opening night, with live music bringing an artistic ambience throughout the evening. The exhibit was open until March 13th for visitors to drop in during open hours and enjoy the exhibit in a thoughtful way, more fully engaging with the emotional expressions within the art work. In total the exhibit welcomed 104 visitors. The response from visitors brought rave reviews, with several pieces being purchased, which brought a lot of delight to the artists. Guests described the exhibit as “Powerful,” “Inspiring,” and “Heart-warming and breaking all at once.”
Thank you again to all involved for making Creatrix Rising such a meaningful and unforgettable experience. We look forward to more opportunities to create, connect, and inspire together with our partners.
This Art Exhibit and journey of healing could not have been done without the generosity of our Funders;
UBCO through PRE Fund (Partnership, Recognition and Exploration fund) Award from The Leon and Thea Koerner Legacy Fund
Exhibit Sponsors:
Caetani Centre
Gum tree Catering
Farming Karma Fruit Co.
The Room Collection
Fair View Family Law
Our Workshop Partners;
Vernon Community Arts Centre
Opus Art Supplies
Caetani House
Our Artist Mentors;
Alessandra Woodward
Asana Hughes
Silmara Emde
Auroara Leigh
our Volunteer Committee Members;
Alessandra Woodward
Asana Hughes
Jody Swart
Patty Farmer
Sue Rooks
Charlotte Barker
Other Volunteers:
Maliya Canty
Bonnie Cameron
Grace Erikson
Brigitte Stass
Opening Night Volunteers and program contributors:
• Margret Clark – Community Elder OKIB – Welcome • Cindy Klassen – CR program lead – MC • Micki Materi – Archway Society ED – Archway spokesperson • Cyndie Roufousse and Daughter Mystery – Indigenous drummers/singers – Song Share • Auroara Leigh – Artist Mentor – song share • Orion Miller – musician – Mood setting music through the evening • Charlotte Baker, Patti farmer, Sue Rooks, Sharon Gaudry and Asana Hughes – Volunteers • Photographer – Seraya Klassen
Creatrix Rising – Exploring Stories through Art – Art Show
RSVP is only required for Opening Night
Archway Society for Domestic Peace started an art project called Creatrix Rising in fall 2023, this initiative offers a series of art workshops and an art exhibit for women who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence to participate and grow in. Participants have the chance to express themselves through various art forms, to heal and explore their stories through art. Workshops in clay molding, acrylic, poetry, water colour, voice expression and more have brought the creatrix out in each women. Creatrix Rising was launched because women in Archway programs asking for an opportunity to share their art and grow as artists and because we desire to offer the power art has in the journey to healing. We have already begun to see the impact their art expressions have had on them and it is powerful.
The Creatrix Rising Art Show runs March 5 to 14 – Caetani Centre at 3401 Pleasant Valley Rd in Vernon,
Opening Night event on Friday, March 8 (International Women’s Day) from 5 – 8 pm.
Exhibit open for free viewing the following dates:
Tuesday, March 5 – 12 – 3pm
Wednesday, March 6 – 12 – 3pm
Thursday, March 7 – 12-3 pm
Opening Night: Friday, March 8 – 5-8 pm – this is the only night where an RSVP is required.
Saturday, March 9 – 1 – 3pm
Monday March 11 – 12 – 3pm & 5 – 7pm
Tuesday March 12 – 12 – 3pm & 5 – 7pm
Wednesday March 13 – 12 – 3pm & 5 – 7pm
Thursday, March 14 – 12 – 3pm
The Opening Night event will be an opportunity for the women to feel celebrated and for those visiting the exhibit engage and reflect on how they have presented their stories. RSVP’s are required (for this date only) no later than March 3.
You are invited to join us at this come-and-go opening on March 8. You’ll be treated to appetizers, a complimentary beverage and to join these amazing artists in Exploring Stories through Art.
If you would like to attend our Opening Night event, please RSVP here. (by March 3). Inquiries can be sent to volunteer@archwaysociety.ca
This Art Exhibit and journey of healing could not have been done without the generosity of our Funders;
– UBCO through PRE Fund (Partnership, Recognition and Exploration fund) – Vernon & District immigrant & Community Services from the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program Research Partnership – Vernon Alliance Community Initiative fund – Vernon Elks #45
and our Workshop Partners;
– Vernon Community Arts Centre – Opus Art Supplies – Nadine’s Fine Art & Framing – Caetani House
