New art show "Portrait of a Woman"

MIAMI - Feb. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- (Miami, February 11, 2014). The Children’s Gallery and Arts Center, Inc. in collaboration with Entre Nosotras Foundation will present exhibition “Portrait Of A Woman” this coming Friday, February 14, 2014 at 8:30 pm at the gallery/studio located inside the historic village Cauley Square. Artworks created by women and their children- survivors of domestic violence and members of Entre Nosotras- are part of a series of self-portraits in which women present themselves as they feel today, after many sessions of counseling and therapy. Female children participating in this program are witnesses of violence committed by one adult household member (usually their father, step-father, or mother's partner) against their mother.

Dr. Maria Mercedes Becerra, director of Entre Nosotras Foundation explains that the use of art as a form of therapy is a very effective method, since the art-making process addresses psychological and emotional needs. “I am not new at using art therapy and other creative processes to help my patients in areas such as building confidence, self-expression, managing stress, cooping, and strengthening a sense of self-worth. You need to understand that in general, victims of domestic violence find very difficult to verbalize their feelings; however when they paint, these survivors are finding a way out of tragedy by telling their stories through images. When these women paint, they are discovering a sense of grounding in addition to strength, safety and hope. It is a blessing that we are neighbors”, says Dr. Becerra; “the fact that we have this wonderful nonprofit organization The Children’s Gallery and Arts Center inside the community of artists at Cauley Square, makes possible and accessible the inclusion of art in my programs as an effective long-term practice. Artists Carlos Franco and his wife Natalie are partnering with us in our campaign to raise awareness for domestic violence; they are also being part of the healing process without knowing it as I do. They are treating all these women and their kids with great respect, as emerging artists, and that feeling is wonderful. This exhibition is a real boost of self-esteem”.

Art Director, Carlos Franco, offered Dr. Becerra his services as the leading artist for this project and she immediately accepted.  ‘Portrait Of A Woman” is only the first phase of this longstanding collaboration between both nonprofits; it marks the beginning of a healing path in which the arts and humanities are walking hand-to-hand. “What this exhibition is really portraying is the incredible personal journey of each one of these women, from domestic violence Victims to domestic violence Survivors”, adds Art Director Carlos Franco.

Cauley Square is located at 22400 SW, Old Dixie Hwy. Miami, FL 33170. The Children’s Gallery and Arts Center Inc. is house # 15. Admission to the exhibition is free.