New exhibit offers women who have faced adversity a voice

TORONTO – February 7, 2013 –
Beginning today, and running through April 28, 2013 women whose lives
have been touched by violence are offered a place to tell their stories
their own ways in Transformation by Fire, a groundbreaking exhibition
originated by the Gardiner Museum in partnership with the Barbra
Schlifer Commemorative Clinic. The culmination of the last 10 years,
this landmark exhibit features clay as the medium for storytelling,
personal statements and video to provide real life examples of how to be
strong and grow in the face of adversity
Where: The Gardiner Museum

When:  February 7, 2013 – running through April 28, 2013

 

Cost: FREE (funded by public donations)
What’s On Throughout the Exhibit?
Hands-on Workshop: February 9, 2013, 1-4 p.m.
Instructors Suzanne Thomson, art
therapist, and Susan Low-Beer, ceramic artist, invite you to transform
your experience through clay, while working through a series of guided
exercises to create your own clay sculptures. No art experience
necessary. Cost: $45. 

One Billion Rising: February 14, 2013, 12:30 p.m.
In honour of the new landmark exhibit Transformation by Fire, be a part
of a special Flash Mob on the front steps of the Gardiner Museum, and
help us raise public awareness of violence against women. Partnering
with us to lead the dance is Nia Trainer, Martha Randall. Meet at
12:15p.m. in front of the museum, dance to begin at 12:30 p.m. Cost: Free!

Susan Low-Beer, Fragments of Self: February 26, 2013, 6:30-8 p.m.
Ceramic
Artist Susan Low-Beer discusses her work and her preoccupation with the
mind and body. Cost: $15 general admission, $10 for members.

International Women’s Day Dance Performance: March 8, 2013 6-8:30 p.m.
The
Gardiner Museum celebrates International Women’s Day with a free dance
performance by Performance Artist Julie Lassonde. Cost: Free!

Human Rights Watch: April 18, 2013, 12-1:30 p.m.
Too many women all over the world continue to live in unsafe and
insecure environments as a result of armed conflict, violent political
processes, and communal violence. Join us for an in-depth discussion
about sexual violence around the world. Cost: $25.

Body/Mind Expressive Arts Approach to Art Therapy: April 11, 2013, 6:30-8 p.m.

Art
Therapist Suzanne Thomson, and Director of Counseling Services for the
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Lynne Jenkins, will reflect on the
transformative powers of art therapy to create social change and the
unique attributes of clay as a tool to heal the complex effects of
trauma. Cost: $15 general admission, $10 for members.
About Transformation by Fire

Transformation by Fire is organized by the Gardiner Museum and the Barbra Schlifer Clinic.
It showcases clay sculptures by clients of the Barbra Schlifer clinic
who participated in art therapy workshops in the Gardiner Museum’s clay
studios, as well as work by Susan Low Beer, a Canadian ceramic artist
who worked with art therapist Susan Thomson and the women for the last
decade. The hastag for this exhibit is #TransformationByFire and #VAW
(Violence Against Women). 

About the Gardiner Museum
The Gardiner Museum connects people,
art and ideas by offering an intimate look at one of the world’s oldest
and most universal art forms – ceramics. The Museum’s collections span
continents and time, giving a glimpse into the development of ceramic
processes, decoration and form. Year-round, the Museum mounts special
exhibitions, events, lectures and clay classes to complement its
permanent collection.
The
Museum also features a casual café that serves delicious fare, and the
Gardiner Shop, which specializes in artist-designed, artist-made
merchandise. More information about the museum and its exhibitions can
be found online at www.gardinermuseum.com. Members of the media can register to access the Gardiner Museum’s online media room (www.gardinermuseum.com/mediaroom) where they may download images and additional media materials. Follow us on Twitter @gardinermuseum.

 

About the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
The
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic provides free legal, counseling,
interpretation, information, and referral services for women who are
experiencing or have experienced violence including intimate partner
assault, incest/childhood sexual abuse, and adult sexual assault and
other forms of violence. In Barbra Schlifer’s memory, the Clinic is
committed to the belief that a response to the issue of violence against
women must address the individual needs of women, systemic change, and
social justice. The Clinic currently receives referrals from countless
community-based agencies, as well as medical, legal and criminal justice
professionals, religious organizations and individuals concerned about
violence against women, and more than 3,600 women were helped last year.

For more information please contact:

Lisa Raffaele
PUNCH Canada                                 
o. 416.360.6522 x239
c. 647.896.0743
[email protected]