(Our Love Is) Unbroken by Bars

(Our Love Is) Unbroken by Bars

CoCA and the artists seek to bring healing to the formerly incarcerated and awareness of the injustice of incarcerated mothers, while shedding light on systemic challenges that exacerbate recidivism, such as homelessness. As per the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, almost 50,000 people a year enter homeless shelters immediately after exiting incarceration. The rate of homelessness in Seattle is 10 times the national average and 25% of people utilizing homelessness-related social services in King County are located in the Pioneer Square zip code, where our gallery is located. Their neighborhood sees over 2,000 arrests a year. CoCA’s May and June exhibition works to humanize these statistics and create space for formerly incarcerated women to regain their voices.

During the exhibition, CoCA will take this healing to the street. Working with the Metropolitan Improvement District and Pioneer Square businesses, CoCA will host a free Mother’s Day card-making party in the gallery for unhoused in the neighborhood on May 4. All card-making materials, including painting supplies, artistic guidance, envelopes, and postage will be provided for all participants. We’ll also be hosting a panel discussion for the public to learn about the women featured in the exhibit from “(Our Love Is) Unbroken by Bars” Curator, Katie Fuller, and learn about homelessness and recidivism with Rex Hohlbein, Executive Director of Facing Homelessness.

Calendar of Events Exhibition: May 1 - June 15 Panel Discussion: Wednesday, May 1, 6-8:30 PM with curator Katie Fuller and Rex Hohlbein, Executive Director of Facing Homelessness Public Reception: Thursday, May 2, 6-9 PM, as part of the Pioneer Square First Thursday art walk Card-Making Workshop: Saturday, May 4, 12-2 PM. Free Mother’s Day card-making workshop for Pioneer Square’s unhoused residents Public Reception: Thursday, June 6, 6-9 PM, as part of the Pioneer Square First Thursday art walk