‘Wear Orange: An Art Exhibit’ to Feature Survivors of Gun Violence
EASTHAMPTON — The Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots network of Everytown for Gun Safety, is presenting “Wear Orange: an Art Exhibit.” More than 50 artists will be exhibiting in this exhibit, including 17 survivors of gun violence. The art gallery will be located on the website of Easthampton City Arts at www.easthamptoncityarts/wearorange starting June 1 and continuing through the summer months.
In conjunction with the virtual gallery, from June 1 to June 30, a window display on 40 Cottage St. in Easthampton will feature selected work from the virtual exhibit. The Ethnic Study at 222 Worthington St. in Springfield will host a slideshow of the exhibit on Saturday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year, the Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action is using artistic expression as the platform to celebrate individual and community resiliency in the face of gun violence. This exhibit and others as well as commentary from politicians and community partners will be shown on the statewide Wear Orange website at www.wearorangesummerjam.com starting at noon on Saturday, June 5.
Orange has been the defining color of the gun-violence prevention movement nationwide. Orange is the color that Hadiya Pendleton’s friends wore in her honor when she was shot and killed in Chicago at age 15, just one week after performing at President Obama’s second inaugural parade in 2013. Building on the orange theme, the tower of Old Town Hall at 43 Main St. in Easthampton and Holyoke City Hall will be lit orange.
“Our nation’s gun-homicide rate is more than 25 times the average of other developed countries. It doesn’t have to be this way,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. “Wearing orange isn’t about the gun debate or choosing a side — it’s about ending gun violence and saving lives.”
“Wear Orange: An Art Exhibit” is supported by the Easthampton Cultural Council, the Springfield Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action, in partnership with Easthampton City Arts.