“Now You See” Senior Expo

On Wednesday, Oct. 15, Michelle D’Errico, a senior Art Education major, will hold a reception in the Student Art League’s gallery for her exhibition, “Now You See.” The artist will hang up her controversial colored pencil drawings of physically and emotionally abused children, hoping her audience will become more aware of the growing domestic issue. “I’m trying to put people face to face with abuse so they’re forced to see something that has become a huge issue, instead of ignoring it,” D’Errico said.

D’Errico mentioned the fact that the United States has one of the worst child abuse records among industrialized nations, with more than four children dying every day, according to Childhelp’s national child abuse statistics from 2012. “Kids are so defenseless, and are often kept quiet by those who abuse them. They need somebody to speak up for them, so that’s what I’m trying to do,” D’Errico said.

During the reception, D’Errico will be collecting donations for the Women of Substance—an organization specializing in domestic violence and child abuse awareness and prevention. She hopes to inspire students, not daunt them, with her straightforward depictions. “I know that some of my drawings might make people uncomfortable because they’re literally drawings of children that have been abused, but I think sometimes that’s what it takes to make people do something.” She added, “Students might learn that they, too, can make a difference if they feel passionate about a social issue.”

The reception will be held from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Entrance is free.