Media Room

University of the Rockies in partnership with CHANGE (Creating Community Healing Action and Education) and TESSA, an agency dedicated to the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault, will host Finding Our Voices art show in recognition of sexual abuse awareness month.

The event will take place in the Harvey House Auditorium at the University of the Rockies located at 555 E. Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs, Colo. from Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26. The University of the Rockies provides a professional graduate education in psychology to individuals who seek licensure as psychologists or those who wish to take the fundamentals of psychology and apply them in the business arena.

Finding Our Voices art show will showcase the work of sexual abuse and domestic violence survivors. The exhibit will display uncensored artistic expressions including collage, painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, needlework, multimedia, music, dance and poetry.

The exhibit will open with an artist reception on Friday and conclude with a “safely sharing stories” event on Sunday. Times of the event are as follows:

•    Exhibit Opening and Artist Reception
Friday, April 24, 2009 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
•    Poetry and Performances
Saturday, April 25, 2009 noon – 4:00 p.m.
•    Safely Sharing Stories & Exhibit Closing
Sunday, April 26, 2009 noon – 3:00 p.m.

“We are proud to be part of an event that speaks on behalf of the victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence,” said Dr. Charlita Shelton, University of the Rockies president. “Art therapy sends a powerful message to anyone who has ever been effected by violence. We hope the event will provide an escape for those living with guilt, denial and silence.”

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, one in six women and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Every two minutes someone is sexually assaulted in the United States, and 60 percent of sexual assaults are not reported to the police.

The exhibit will display the work of survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Due to the sensitive nature of this event, some artists may mark their work as anonymous. The artwork will also be on display at businesses, offices, coffee shops or art galleries in March prior to the show opening.

For more information about Finding Our Voices, e-mail FOVartshow@gmail.com or call (719) 636-5065.

About University of the Rockies
University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in psychology programs at the master’s and doctoral levels at its campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, University of the Rockies also offers specialized degree programs online. San Diego-based Bridgepoint Education is the parent company of University of the Rockies, formerly known as the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. University students provide free and low-cost psychological services to the underserved through the University of the Rockies Foundation’s Switzer Center. The Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization supporting students through scholarships, assistantships and other activities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.

About Bridgepoint Education
Based in San Diego, California, Bridgepoint Education was founded on the principle that anyone who is academically prepared deserves access to higher education without sacrificing quality, transferability of credits, accessibility, academic standards, or credentials. As an independent, private higher education company, Bridgepoint is committed to serving the millions of adults seeking an affordable alternative to high priced higher education. Bridgepoint Education subsidiaries provide both traditional and online education offerings, in addition to recruiting and admissions services. The organization’s comprehensive education services have helped thousands of students improve their lives and careers through higher education. For more information, please visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858.668.2586 x2513.