Gardner quoted in WVII, WABI reports on ‘Against My Will UMaine’ exhibit
Susan Gardner, director of the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program at the University of Maine, was quoted in WVII (Channel 7) and WABI (Channel 5) reports on the “Against My Will UMaine” art exhibit recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Created by artist and activist Traci Molloy, the exhibit consists of banners along the Mall on campus that tell the stories of faculty, staff and students who have been victims of sexual assault, WVII reported. “Art is its own language. Oftentimes people who are survivors of trauma can’t communicate what happened. When you create a piece of art, you allow people to experience it viscerally and on a different level,” said Molloy, who has worked with individuals affected by trauma for almost 20 years. The banners feature de-identified portraits to ensure the individuals remain anonymous, while the text in their handwriting tells the truth of their stories. “The more that people share their stories, the more others will share their stories, and bring awareness to something, like I said, that is very often stigmatized and silenced,” said Gardner. The banners will be on campus through April 26. Molloy and some of the people featured on the banners will facilitate a free, public panel discussion at 5:30 p.m. April 3 in Barrows Hall, according to the report.