Craft for a cause

Mark your calendar for the Jubilee Arts & Community Arts Fair & Reflections Art Show on April 24th at the Harris-Marcus Center, where items from The House of Ruth Jewelry Projects will be on display and available for purchase.

Part of the Art + Craft Program at the House of Ruth, the Jewelry Project is led by community artist Hannah Brancato, who works with shelter residents to design and make jewelry. 100% of the proceeds from the Jewelry Project are given to House of Ruth's Art + Craft Program, which facilitates proejcts that promote awareness about domestic violence.

To read more, visit Hannah's blog. To purchase jewelry online, visit The Jewelry Project.

Images courtesy of Hannah Brancato.

Call for donations!

House of Ruth Maryland's Art+Craft Program is in search of crochet hooks of all sizes, and yarns of all colors and materials, for their Advocate Through Art workshop series. Workshop participants will create a series of crocheted creations to be displayed as part of a public art installation in June 2010.

Advocate Through Art teaches domestic violence survivors and their children to create public artworks about their experiences. An exhibition of recent work is currently on display at Jubilee Arts, 1947 Pennsylvania Ave, with a closing reception scheduled for February 27th from 3:30 - 5:30.

The Art+Craft Program at House of Ruth Maryland's emergency shelter was founded in 2008. Its mission is to use crafting to help domestic violence survivors heal and regain confidence. In fall 2009, the Advocate Through Art workshops were launched with the intent to educate the public about domestic violence, and the myriad of issues and warning signs connected with abusive relationships. These workshops simultaneously provide an outlet for women and their children who are living in House of Ruth's temporary shelter. By telling their stories, domestic violence survivors gain the power to break the cycle of violence, create awareness, and instigate action.

Please contact Hannah Brancato, hbrancato@hruthmd.org, to arrange a pick-up or drop-off time!