10/01/09 -Chronicle News

Domestic violence art at BJS Artworks in The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls NY holds a reception for its second annual domestic violence awarness project. From Vitom to Victory on Saturday , Oct 3 from 4 to 8 pm.

 Last year the solidarity of the attendees at this art reception moved me to tears, a friend of Bev Saunders who owns BJSArtworks, pulled out her guitar and played the Bill Withers tune “Lean on Me”. Those at the opening, many who did know each other sang along. Ms.Saunders lost her daughter in a high-profile act of brutal domestic violence in Las Vagas Last November, she says she hopes to raise awareness and foster healing with this show.          

The Gallery doesn’t have many different artist participating this year, but the works on the walls are raw and moving. miChelle M. Vara, an artist working found objects and metal sculpture, shows new pieces that are quite stunning. These works are simpler than her previous works I’ve seen, and more effective for it.

-Kate Austin