NewAfrica / Depositphotos.com
GRAND ISLAND — Hope Harbor, Willow Rising, and YWCA are proud to announce their participation in the national Week Without Violence campaign, taking place October 20–24, 2025. This year’s theme, “Safe Beginnings: Protecting Mothers, Nurturing Futures,” calls attention to the vital need to support mothers and families affected by domestic violence.
As part of the week’s events, the three organizations invite artists of all skills and backgrounds to submit original work inspired by this theme. Submitted artworks, along with a short artist bio, will be displayed at Arts & Drafts. Artists may also choose to donate their pieces for auction, with proceeds benefiting the partner agencies and the survivors they serve.
In addition, they will host a group painting event on Monday, October 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Arts & Drafts venue. The evening includes cocktails and appetizers, a guided painting session, short presentations from the partner agencies, a survivor testimony, and a live auction of donated works.
Arts & Drafts Group Painting Event
5:30 p.m. — Cocktails & appetizers
6:00 p.m. — Begin group painting
6:15 p.m. — Presentations by Hope Harbor, YWCA, and Willow Rising
6:30 p.m. — Resume painting
7:00 p.m. — Survivor testimony
7:15 p.m. — Auction
7:30 p.m. — Reveal, enjoy your completed painting, & group photo
Attending the cocktail hour and auction is free, and tickets are sold for those wanting to join the group paint-along. A portion of ticket revenue plus all auction proceeds will support the mission of Hope Harbor, Willow Rising, and YWCA.
How to Get Involved
- Artists: To submit artwork or donate a piece for auction, contact An Tran-Catlin at atran@ywca-gi.org or register online via the artist submission link. www.hopeharborgi.org/week-without-violence.
- Attendees & supporters: Mark your calendar for October 20, join us for what promises to be a powerful evening of creativity, community, and advocacy.
- Spread the word: Share this event, encourage friends, and help us amplify the message — that mothers and families deserve safe beginnings.
About the Partners
Hope Harbor, Willow Rising, and YWCA serve survivors of domestic violence in the Grand Island region. Through shelter, advocacy, counseling, and community education, they promote healing, empowerment, and safety for mothers, children, and families.
