BELLA VISTA (KFSM) - An art exhibit about human trafficking and modern day slavery opens Tuesday (Apr.28) at Mercy in Bella Vista. All of the artwork is part of the Faces of Freedom art exhibit. The exhibit takes you on a journey with survivors through their stories of oppression, injustice, and freedom.
Each portrait has a story about the victims and how they were rescued.
Human trafficking is of critical concern for the Sisters of Mercy. That's why they're partnering with Mercy Hospital and the Freedom 58 Project to raise awareness.
The project started with Bob and Libby Swenson of Colorado and their objective is to raise awareness about modern day slavery. According to statistics, 12 to 20,000 young girls are trafficked every year in different countries.
Libby Swenson said the idea to raise awareness came from her husband. "He said what if we could have protrait artists use their skills to tell the story of an individual person whose life has been transformed," said Libby. Bob Swenson contacted portrait artists from all over the world said Libby. "When they heard about this project and how they could be involved, all of them got so excited."
According to Bob, "I wanted to do something expectional. The only thing I could think of was to start an art exhibit."
"I had one painting and took that around to different parts of the country, and the next thing I know I was getting one painting a week donated from artists from across the country," said Bob.
The exhibit is open to the public and will be on display through June 5th.
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