Join us for our two-day, multidisciplinary event and learn from experts of all backgrounds. This event focuses on diversity, art, and the importance of healing as a community. This event is free, but you must register for the workshops you would like to attend, as seats are limited and filling up fast!

Dates: June 26th – 27th
Times: Sunday 10am – 6pm, Monday 11am – 1:30pm
Location: August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh, PA.
Address: 980 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Open to public without registration.

ART AGAINST VIOLENCE Art Exhibit – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. First Floor.

A picture speaks a thousand words: see how local and international artists “speak” about trauma, violence, survival, empowerment, healing, and grief at Alina’s Light Art Against Violence exhibit. You will see art by (and meet some artists in person!) many artists you already know and love, as well as several Italian and Ukrainian artists presented by Alina’s Light’s partners in Italy: VitaruWorld. We are also excited about “Alina’s Light”—a portrait of Alina Sheykhet—returning to the U.S. after a two-year-long world tour which started at the 2019 Venice Biennale in Italy. Alina’s Dolls—an art installation designed to help families of domestic violence victims heal through artmaking, and to foster community support and awareness—will be part of the Art Against Violence Exhibit. Through Alina’s Dolls you can learn the stories of many domestic violence victims, find out how their families are coping with the devastating loss, and preserve the memory and legacy of those who left this world too soon. Together we can make sure their memory continues and their voice is not extinguished.

ART AGAINST VIOLENCE Exhibit Opening and Artist Talk – 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. First Floor, Art Exhibit area. Capacity 75 people.

Meet the artists represented at the exhibit and listen to the wonderful stories about art being a powerful tool of healing and social justice. Learn about VitaruWorld – Alina’s Light partner from Milan, Italy, which draws on a huge network of psychologists, attorneys and social workers all over the world to help victims of domestic violence. Light snacks and beverages will be served at the reception.

Registration required.

SCIENCE AGAINST VIOLENCE Roundtable Discussion – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Second Floor, Box Theater. Capacity 50 people.

Recent scientific studies show how our brain processes trauma and what helps us heal. Join a fascinating discussion between Svetlana Trofimova, a PA at the UPMC department of neurosurgery, and Yang Cai, a CMU Professor and a celebrated author on the subject of stress, trauma, violence, grief, healing and resilience and learn where violence comes from, and what we can do to make ourselves and others stronger and better. Both presenters are also artists and will speak on the science of art wellness.

COMMUNITY AGAINST VIOLENCE Empowering Workshop with Deneen Joyner – 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Second Floor, Box Theater. Capacity 50 people.

Deneen Joyner is a nationally award-winning author, and retired social worker of over 18 years working with children and families in trauma. Today as an Ancestral Trauma Healer, she offers a unique approach to how others can examine their inherited DNA surrounding emotional pain using her ancestor’s ancient indigenous practices in soul healing. This spiritual workshop will activate curiosity, motivation, and openness of naturally relying on intuition as spiritual guidance for living and to navigate safely from stressful and potentially harmful situations. Participants will learn what intuition is, why they may not be following it, how to know when they are using their intuition vs self-talk, and how to practice and strengthen using it consistently. Deneen charges hundreds of dollars for her workshops, but this event is free to you – a gift from Alina’s Light.

COMMUNITY AGAINST VIOLENCE Helping Hand – 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Second Floor, Box Theater. Capacity 50 people.

You are never alone: we can stop violence and start healing together! Find out what community resources are available for victims of domestic violence and what Women’s Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and other resources can offer. Even if you are not experiencing domestic violence yourself, you probably know someone who has or does. Learn what you can do to help! Also learn about grief coaching from Elly Sheykhet, and what support can be offered to those who lost their loved ones. Finally, hear from a domestic violence survivor and learn what she did to stay alive.

ART AGAINST VIOLENCE Art Wellness Workshop – 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. First Floor, Art Exhibit area. Capacity 15 people.

Learn Art Wellness techniques with an art therapy coach and a professional artist, and create your own unique work of art, designed to foster peace, tranquility and resilience during its creation and when placed on your wall or given as a gift. All supplies are provided, spaces are limited, please register in advance.

Attorneys, learn more about how you can receive CLE credit at Monday’s events.

LAW AGAINST VIOLENCE Alina’s Law Continuing Legal Education Event and Discussion – 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Second Floor, Meeting Room. Capacity 50 people.

The CLE program and community discussion “Law Against Violence: Is the Current Legal System an Effective Solution to Domestic Violence?” features a panel discussion including lawmakers, practitioners, academics, and the judiciary. As an attorney, you will hear an update on the existing and proposed legal framework for addressing domestic violence and protecting your clients during the Protection from Abuse proceedings. As a community member, you can learn and discuss the practical application of domestic violence prevention laws and meet the people who can make the changes we all need. The session, sponsored by the ACBA Women in the Law Division, and the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh is worth 1.5 hours of substantive CLE credits and one hour of ethics credit.