Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center, in collaboration with Supporting Other Survivors (SOS), invites survivors of sexual violence to submit artwork for our April exhibition: Resiliency & Recovery: The Art of Survival – a free community awareness event during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

This trauma-informed, empowerment-focused exhibit centers on the strength, healing journeys, and lived experiences of survivors. All skill levels and forms of artistic expression are welcome.

Artwork should reflect one or more of the following themes: 

• Healing after trauma
• Strength and resiliency
• Reclaiming voice or power
• Transformation, hope, recovery
• The journey of a survivor

WHO CAN SUBMIT 

• Survivors of sexual violence (primary focus)
• Loved ones of survivors

ACCEPTED ART FORMS 

• Visual art (painting, drawing, mixed media)
• Photography
• Poetry or written work (printed and displayed)
• Sculpture (pending gallery approval)
• Fiber/textile art
• Other mediums considered, however, submissions must be original, human-created artwork. Because this exhibition centers lived experience, healing, and personal expression, AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork is not eligible for submission.

GUIDELINES 

To ensure the exhibit remains safe and empowering, we ask that submissions:

• Include basic information to be displayed in public gallery, including: artist name (anonymous submissions can be accepted), a brief artist statement (200 words max), title of piece, materials used, size.
• Include any suggested content warnings.
• Artists must be able to transport pieces to gallery.
• Artists may submit multiple pieces for consideration.
• Canvas art must be wired and ready to hang (145 lb max). 
• If artist elects to display work at both Summit and Medina, artist is responsible for transporting pieces.
• AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork is not eligible for submission.
• Submissions will be thoughtfully reviewed by our SOS group, a panel of survivors who will select artwork for the exhibition.

IMPORTANT DATES 

• Submission Deadline: February 16, 2026 
• Notification of Acceptance: Week of February 23, 2026 
• Exhibit Dates:
  • Summit County: April 1st-14th at Art X Love located at 35 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
    • Opening Reception being hosted on Tuesday, April 7 from 5:00-7:00 PM

QUESTIONS? 

Contact Ashley Kline, CPO at ashleyk@hope-healing.org

We deeply value the courage and creativity survivors bring to this event. Thank you for considering sharing your voice with our community.