Artifacts of Human Trafficking Art Installation at the GSSW
There are just some things we don’t talk about…
Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work presents: Artifacts of Human Trafficking.
While educating professionals for leadership and service is the heart of our mission, we know the arts inspire us and shape our responses to social problems such as trafficking.
And you’re so numb by that point, no, not even numb-that’s not the right word, you’re gone, you’re soulless. They own you, but not just your body, they own who you are, the deepest parts of you. –Anonymous
We invite you to shine a light into the darkness through art as we explore the pervasive sex trafficking industry in the United States through Artifacts of Human Trafficking, an installation created by Austin artist, Amie Stone King, with accompanying juried, 2-D mixed media works from artists around the world based on the themes of desperation, isolation and deceit.
Soft opening: Feb. 12
Free and open to the public: Feb. 12 - Mar. 16, Mon. – Fri., 8-5 p.m.
Visitors to the exhibit should call one of the posted numbers on the front door to enter the GSSW building at 811 Washington Ave. The exhibit is located in the open area on the second floor, just up the escalators.
Details will be posted at a later date regarding the artist reception.
“Whether we want to admit it or not, people are bought, sold and smuggled like modern-day slaves right here in Waco, not in just far-away places,” Dean Jon Singletary said. “As social workers and educators, we must not remain silent about this injustice; we must work to eradicate it. We are proud to partner with Amie Stone King to bring awareness to the scourge that is human trafficking. While educating professionals for leadership and service is the heart of our mission, we know the arts inspire us and shape our responses to social problems such as trafficking. The arts help in the process of educating for social justice, and this exhibit is a beautiful example of that.”
More About Amie Stone King
Interested in collage and installation art and trained in drama, King’s works display a certain theatricality, inviting the viewer to not only look but to participate with mind, body and spirit. King holds a BFA in Theatre and MA in Art Museum Education from the University of Texas at Austin. amiestoneking.com
Artist’s Statement:
My goal with this project is to open a door through art, encouraging people to consider the physical, emotional and spiritual impact of sex-slavery while spotlighting the deep and distorted realities of this pervasive industry, empowering the public to shine a light into the darkness and not be afraid to look.
“Art walks a fine line when dealing with a taboo subject. How do you welcome people into a space, call them to action through emotion and then leave them equipped with the tools needed to be part of the solution?” King said.