Hermana
Saturday night, the guests trickled into the brick warehouse building. The light was golden and Oakland was bustling. The smell of fresh tamales filled the back room- made by various volunteers that morning with love. My rug unrolled in the corner with a typewriter inviting others to share their story. The gathering continued as artists shared their work with strangers and friends. We indeed have been hungry for community, story and art.
The walls and performances held more than just works of art, but manifestations of story. Each piece you see was uniquely inspired by the stories of survivors of human trafficking. Each young woman has shared with us her experience of being trafficked, her survival and rescue, and her dreams for her future. Eight artists spent the summer learning about the issue of trafficking and the power of art in partnership with awareness, advocacy, policy, and community.
The Hermana Artist's Workshop and Art Show were created and produced in collaboration with Transform Arts and Reintegra. Without these two organizations, none of this would be possible.
Featured artists: Francesca Cipponeri (director)/ Alyssa Rodriguez (director)/ Bonnie Sanders/ Lauren Fitterer/Julia Lisa Voinche/Zac Sanders/ Jacquelyn Nyssen/ Hope Curran
Special thanks to: Bernie’s Cold Brew, Warehouse416, Arm of Care, Cocina Con Neli
Reintegra is an anti-human trafficking organization that supports survivors as they rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. We offer a family structure of love and encouragement to foster and support dreams of a better future. We provide financial, emotional, and psychological resources to facilitate restoration and healing.
Transform inspires artists to establish a legitimate presence in creative industries to authentically represent Christ in the worlds of art, media, and entertainment.We seek to encourage generations of artists who don’t merely maintain their faith, but also flourish and impact culture. We do this by providing space and time for artists to develop in four areas of life: artistic, spiritual, civic compassion, and leadership.
