Congratulations to Eli Sanders, 2012 Pulitzer Prize Winner

Kudos to journalist Eli Sanders for winning a coveted 2012 Pulitzer Prize for his feature story, The Bravest Woman in Seattle. Published in the Seattle alternative weekly The Stranger on June 15, 2011, the award is given “for a distinguished example of feature writing giving prime consideration to quality of writing, originality and concision.”

One of the first people Eli contacted after receiving word of this award was Jennifer Hopper, the subject of his article, who selflessly opened up to him in order to write this story.  Jennifer’s harrowing accounts of the events of July 19, 2009, presented during her testimony during the trial of Isaiah Kalebu, are revealed in this story, along with her depiction of the beautiful relationship she shared with Teresa.

We hope that this recognition furthers empathy and discussion on the realities of sexual violence in our society.  And that other victims will share this bravery and fearlessly come forward with their stories.

 

Art for Awareness auction starts today

Artist Erin Rieke’s painting, “Cry No More,” is being auctioned off as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  Place your bid now.  The auction runs April 17-27.  Proceeds benefit The Angel Band Project in our efforts to help victims of sexual violence in their path towards healing.

Erin, a sexual assault survivor, says, “I turned to art to project my emotions through color and texture when my words fell short.  My artwork has always been prompted by music.  Joining forces with The Angel Band Project – creating a work inspired by the spiritually uplifting music that rose out of the ashes of pain – gives me the hope that perhaps my art will give hope to others in a way that The Angel Band Project has given me hope.”

We truly appreciate Erin’s contribution and hope you will consider bidding on this stunning original piece.

Dancing Back the Night in Shawano, Wisconsin

On April 20, a very special evening of music and dance is planned during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  It’s called Dance Back the Night.  Along with dinner and a variety of live music performances, the Angel Band Project will be featured in a truly unique way.

Dancer Pamela Luedtke will perform a moving performance piece to our title track, “Take you with me.”  Pamela was a soloist with the Mary Anthony Dance for eight years and worked with dance greats such as Anna Sokolow, Bertram Ross, and Agnes de Mille before moving to Central Wisconsin.

We are honored that the event organizers decided to include us in their program. Thanks to Korina Publanz and staff at Safe Haven for this most wonderful opportunity.  Yet another creative way that the project is touching lives through music.

Creating “Art for Awareness” as part of SAAM

On April 17, The Angel Band Project will hold an online art auction in conjuction with national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).  The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

Artist Erin Rieke, owner of DivineMoira Fine Art, is donating an abstract painting that she is creating specifically in connection with this issue.  She has been inspired by music on the “Take you with me” benefit album, and hopes to share that inspiration through this work of art.

The Angel Band Project exists to help victims of sexual violence on their path towards healing.  Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be used to support programming that directly helps survivors and to raise awareness on this issue.

Online bidding will start on April 17 via eBay auctions.   We thank Erin for her generosity and hope you will consider bidding on her beautiful painting.