EDINA, Minn. — A creative initiative that fuses art and activism, "Beauty from Ashes," a compelling art exhibition, is set to engage audiences with its transformation of decommissioned gun parts into thought-provoking and inspiring artworks.
The exhibit, curated by Art is My Weapon, showcases the creative talent of multiple artists hailing from diverse disciplines who have taken on the mission of converting instruments of violence into symbols of hope and change.
This effort was birthed as the takeaway from a "Quick Connect" Buy Back program in the fall of 2022 that removed firearms from the streets. The no-questions-asked gun buyback event safely collected a total of 115 firearms and subsequently dismantled them.
Community organizations led the event in partnership with Children’s Minnesota and other healthcare providers. The event’s organizers collaborated with Art is My Weapon to help spread awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence – especially among children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, firearm injuries ranked as the leading cause of death among children and teenagers across the nation.
Nikki McComb, the executive director of Art is My Weapon said her vision behind "Beauty from Ashes." is to empower the transformative power of art to create dialogue, change, and inspire hope.
'Beauty from Ashes' showcases the resilience of our community by turning symbols of violence into symbols of hope."
Program Director at Urban Ventures, Priscilla Brown, joins the exhibit with a deeply personal connection to the cause. Brown lost her son to gun violence and has since dedicated her efforts to lead a gun violence diversion program.
The exhibition is open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the 9 Mile Gallery, 7777 Washington Ave. S. Edina, MN 55439.
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