An exhibition promoting women’s empowerment, strength and resilience will be showcased at the Bacchus Marsh Arts Council gallery for the next two weeks.
Ceramic sculptor Ri Van Veen said participants in workshops she held last year had created two ‘Marching Women’ figures – one to keep and one to donate for sale in the Rise Up exhibition.
More than 130 figurines are part of the parade, alongside other artworks that pay homage to women. “They all look fabulous,” Van Veen said. “They’re all individual … there are different shapes, sizes, pregnant ones, ones with only one breast.”
Proceeds raised from artwork sales will go towards the children’s program at domestic violence support agency WRISC.
Van Veen said many of the workshop participants found the sculpting process both therapeutic and cathartic.
“Often there were people who were victims of domestic violence, and it was empowering for them,” she said. “They felt they were making a difference … it was a place they could share their experiences.”
The exhibition at The Village Bacchus Marsh shopping centre, 178 Main Street, runs until Sunday, April 2, with a finale from 2-4pm.
Details: 0468 453 340.
