Panel Conversation: Recognizing Gun Violence through Art with (left to right) Carin Seals, Laura Madeleine, Stacey Kent Wyckoff, Andy Carey, and Pat LaMarche

Souls Shot Portrait Project

Pennsylvania Chapter Volume 2

This exhibition comes to CALC in partnership with Souls Shot Portrait Project, and it explores an artistic approach to the issue of gun violence. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Souls Shot Portrait Project (SSPP) memorializes victims of gun violence by uniting victims’ loved ones with fine artists. As a result of these connections, each collection of portraits commemorates lives lost and sparks further conversations within local communities. While the styles and media vary artist to artist, SSPP prompts “viewers to confront what we have lost and inspire(s) empathy and action in the fight to end gun violence.”

This exhibit, Pennsylvania Chapter: Volume 2, is a continuation of their series of traveling shows that boldly address an issue that affects everyone. From Laura Madeleine, Executive Director and Curator of Souls Shot Portrait Project: “By hearing stories, seeing photographs, videos, and mementos, the artists are able to get to know who the person was in life. The portraits are as diverse and unique as the souls they represent. We are dedicated to bringing to the public these intimate glimpses into the lives cut short by gun violence as a way to raise awareness of the terrible cost to our communities, to touch hearts and minds…to move people to take action.”