A traveling art exhibit creating awareness for domestic violence toured around campus during the month of October.

The Safe City Commission holds an art contest every year called "Imagine No Violence", Tracy Tucker, the assistant dean of campus life, said.  The contestants were middle and high school students from the surrounding Fort Worth communities.

Tucker said the “Imagine No Violence” theme allows students to focus on many different issues.  The student can draw a picture about gay awareness, cyber bullying, domestic violence, sexual assault, gun violence or any other issue.  Students also have the option of making art that represents a utopian environment.

The university partnered with SafeHaven of Tarrant County and other organizations to help bring the art to campus, Tucker said.

“We brought the art to campus because it is something that is not creating yet another program or event to go to,” said Tucker. “The art is something that can be present throughout campus, and it makes people stop and think."

Fifty pieces were displayed at an exhibit in the BLUU auditorium at the beginning of the month, Tucker explained.  The exhibit provided for a peaceful and reflective environment. Anyone could come through and see the pieces of art, Tucker said.

The art was then sent on a traveling exhibit, Tucker said.  The different colleges on campus selected pieces that they wanted to display in their respective buildings.  The art was all over campus throughout October, from the business school to the school of education.

Jason Eagar, assistant director of the TCU leadership center, said he hoped the artwork helped show a level of vulnerability.  This vulnerability would be felt by students here on campus and compel those struggling to seek help.

“The artwork is a small innuendo to what is going on,” said Eagar. “Not just a major problem in our world, but also in our own community.”

Catherine Olde, director of crisis service for SafeHaven of Tarrant County, said the art would be a silent witness to the impact of domestic violence in the surrounding communities.

“The issue that is important to recognize is that middle school and high school kids recognize the impact of domestic violence on themselves and the community,” said Olde. “It is imperative that all of us take violence and abuse seriously, and join together to imagine a world without violence, and make it a reality rather than just a dream.”