Palette of emotions expressed in work at Art of Justice benefit show

A powerful – sometimes painful, sometimes hopeful – array of artwork created by children affected by domestic violence radiates as the centerpiece Thursday for the fourth annual Art of Justice fundraiser.

The event features art done by the children, alongside interpretations of those works created by regional adult artists. The works by the adults will be on sale and all proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit Stanislaus Family Justice Center, where the show will be held.

Wine, beverages and appetizers will be part of the event, as will a silent auction and an opportunity to meet some of the 53 artists participating this year, offering 76 works ranging in price from $50 to $1,500.

The show can be deeply emotional, according to Cindy Schneider, director of community partnerships at the Stanislaus Family Justice Center.

“(The children’s art) is very insightful into what they’ve seen at such very young ages and how they interpret that. Knowing that your mom was pushed out of a moving car, that there were bullet holes in your bedroom ceiling when you came home, that if your dad drives by your house one more time, he’ll be arrested – those things are are very shocking,” Schneider said. “When people look at the art, a lot of times people will get very emotional – there are a lot of tears.

“Then there is some that is very healing,” she continued. “You see that (the children) really are putting a happy, comforting and hopeful picture to their futures and what they’re doing.”

The art from the children is created through the Art Restores Kids program, held at the center and also at three off-site locations – Orville Wright Elementary School, Modesto Gospel Mission and Healing Nations. Grants will allow the center to expand the off-site work to 10 locations, send kids to camp and help with mentoring over the next three years, Schneider said.

The Stanislaus Family Justice Center collaborates with a variety of agencies and programs to pool resources and help victims of domestic violence such as Haven Women’s Center, Child Protective Services, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and others. The 5-year-old center – part of the National Family Justice Center Alliance – provides services including advocacy, crisis and intervention, counseling and support, shelter assistance and legal help.

Parents give their permission to use the children’s art. As the children are creating their art, some of the things they say as they work are notated, Schneider said. Those quotes later are included with their pieces, along with their age and a name – often a pseudonym, to protect their privacy. The adult artists gathered in January to each select a child’s work to interpret; some selected more than one piece.

Those interpretations will be displayed with the corresponding child’s art and quote during the show, along with gallery cards featuring the adult artists and the written expressions of their interpretations; only the adult works are for sale.

Artists are not difficult to find, Schneider said, adding that sometimes “they call me.”

“Modesto has a very big network of artists who work together, they’re very collaborative,” she said. “This (program) connects really well with our community, I don’t have to ask for a lot of help.”

Modesto artist Nicole Slater called participating in the event as a “give back” opportunity.

“I fell in love with everything they are doing,” she said of the Art for Justice program.

Artist Louise Bogetti, who created two works for the show, formerly was a member of the Haven Women’s Center board and said she’s always willing to help the effort to end the cycle of domestic abuse. This is the third year she’s participated in the Art for Justice event.

“It’s a great way to bring awareness to these children and their lives and their plight,” Bogetti said. “It’s a good way for the community to get involved and maybe come away with a nice piece of artwork.”

Often, artists find themselves more deeply and personally affected, Schneider said.

“Many of the artists will tell us after they’ve finished their work that ‘This was really moving,’ or ‘This set me into a position of reliving some issues from when I was a child,’” Schneider said. “We didn’t anticipate that benefit ... but it’s been an amazing journey for those who have been involved.”

Event organizers are planning for about 300 people to attend Thursday’s open house, where people can come and go, eat and drink, and view the art on display.

Already, $8,000 worth of art has been sold at a preview March 19 at Picasso’s Gourmet Deli & Art, held during the Third Thursday Art Walk in downtown Modesto. There’s an additional $12,000 worth to sell.

Among those left to sell is one of Bogetti’s two works, a 21/2-by-5-foot piece on sheet metal that weighs 30 pounds. It’s an interpretation of a young girl’s paper doll puzzle that expressed all her different emotions.

“It really turned out neat,” Bogetti said. “I hope it attracts an eye to someone.”

As an artist, “you really feel a responsibility to that child,” she said. “And your hope is someone will enjoy that piece and purchase it and raise some money for the center.”

This story was originally published March 24, 2015 at 6:57 PM with the headline "Palette of emotions expressed in work at Art of Justice benefit show."