SOLE Strength Art Exhibition Transforms Domestic Violence Survivor Stories into Powerful Works of Art

This October for domestic violence awareness month, the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence (MSCFV) will bring together nationally recognized, acclaimed, and emerging artists from across the region for SOLE Strength, a groundbreaking art exhibition created to honor the strength and resilience of survivors of domestic violence.
Opening with a special Gallery Reception and Silent Auction on Wednesday, October 21, with the option of two sessions: 5pm-6:30pm and 7pm-8:30pm at the Market at Dover Station in Easton, SOLE Strength will transform survivor experiences into original works of art while inviting the community to listen, learn, reflect, and take action.
Tickets go on sale September 15 at www.mscfv.org.
SOLE Strength is inspired by the symbolism of a pair of shoes—the steps survivors take as they move from fear and violence toward safety, healing, and self-sufficiency. Survivors have anonymously shared a pair of shoes and their personal story with MSCFV. Each participating artist has been given a survivor’s story and shoes and is creating a custom, original work of art inspired by that individual experience.
Visitors will experience more than an art exhibition. Each installation will provide an opportunity to read the survivor’s story and listen to the survivor’s own recorded voice, creating an intimate connection between the artwork and the person whose journey inspired it.
The exhibition features an extraordinary group of artists, including several whose work has received national and international recognition. Esteban Del Valle, a nationally recognized muralist, painter, and community-engaged artist, is known for large-scale public art projects throughout the United States. His work explores culture, history, identity, and social connection, using art as a powerful vehicle for storytelling and civic engagement.
Michael Rosato, an internationally acclaimed mural artist based in Cambridge, Maryland, has created large-scale public works throughout the United States and internationally. His murals transform public spaces into visual landmarks that celebrate history, cultural identity, and community pride.
Nancy Tankersley, an award-winning American Impressionist painter, educator, and arts leader based in Easton, is nationally recognized for her contributions to the contemporary plein air movement. She was a founding force behind Plein Air Easton and is celebrated for her portraiture, figurative work, landscapes, and still life.
Margaret Harpe Merida, whose career spanned more than six decades, is remembered for her distinctive work in fiber collage, wall hangings, garments, drawings, photography, and soft sculpture. Her work bridges traditional textile techniques and contemporary fine art.
The exhibition also includes an impressive roster of Eastern Shore and Mid-Atlantic artists whose work encompasses painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, fiber arts, printmaking, murals, and more. Together, these artists bring their individual perspectives and creative voices to stories of survival, resilience, transformation, and hope.
The Gallery Reception will feature a silent auction of the original SOLE Strength artwork, giving guests an opportunity to acquire one-of-a-kind pieces while directly supporting MSCFV’s mission to provide safety, advocacy, and pathways to self-sufficiency for adults experiencing domestic violence.
The silent auction will remain open through October 31 in the Gallery space on the first floor of the Market at Dover Station (free to the public), allowing supporters to participate even if they cannot attend the opening reception with online bidding.
“SOLE Strength asks us to do more than look at art,” said Catherine Roper, Development Director of MSCFV. “It asks us to stop, listen, and understand the human story behind each piece. These artists are taking deeply personal experiences and transforming them into works that honor the courage of survivors. The result is an exhibition that we hope will move people emotionally while inspiring our community to stand with survivors.”
MSCFV is currently seeking corporate and individual sponsors to help make SOLE Strength possible. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels and provide businesses, organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to support domestic violence survivors while helping bring this unique community arts initiative to life. Sponsorship support helps MSCFV present the exhibition, share survivor stories, engage the community, and ensure that the voices and experiences represented through SOLE Strength reach a broad audience. Please contact Catherine Roper for more information at croper@mscfv.org.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, tickets, or SOLE Strength, visit www.mscfv.org.