Local organizations to unveil winning artwork in “Anti-Gun Violence Art Competition”
Cleveland, OH – Gun violence is pervasive in our communities and Rid-All Green Partnership has joined with several local organizations to bring awareness to the problem while promoting their mission of sustainability through the creation of beautiful artwork using recycled toy guns.
On Saturday, September 12th a celebration will be held at The Rid-All Green Partnership, 8129 Otter Road (off East 82nd and Kinsman) to showcase the work of student and adult artists and to unveil the winning piece from the “Anti-Gun Violence Art Competition” held last winter in conjunction with the first “Toy Gun Buy Back Program.”
The Competition was one component of the “Toy Gun Buy Back Program,” sponsored in conjunction with The Gloria Pointer Teen Movement and Inner Visions. Both of these organizations work within the community to combat violence and create community dialogue around these issues.
The community leaders will also take a moment to honor local journalist Rachel Dissell with the Community Humanitarian Journalism Award. Yvonne Pointer said of Dissell, “Rachel is a godsend! She not only tells the stories of Cleveland, but also goes out of her way to help effect change during her free time. She has been a tremendous help to the “Toy Gun Buy Back Program,” and we just want to say a proper thank you to her.”
Damien Forshe, co-founder of Rid-all Foundation said, “This is a celebration to recognize all of the participants and to show the community the wealth of talent we have amongst our young people.” The celebration will be held from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. and will include fun activities for the entire family along with food and entertainment. This event continues the foundation’s goal to raise awareness around the issue of gun violence and to engage youth in alternative activities.
About Rid-All – Our mission is to transform communities, starting with 3 acres in Cleveland’s Kinsman Neighborhood, known as the Forgotten Triangle. We’ve reclaimed the land for growing fruits and vegetables, farming fish, creating soil from food waste discarded by others and more. We’ve constructed two green houses, four hoop houses, a tepee and an edible trail to add to our fish farming. The Rid-All organization has also developed a keen interest in youth development and has implemented programs such as essay contests, science education programs for Cleveland Metropolitan School students and a summer Youth Farmer Leadership Program. Visit ridall.org for more information.
About Gloria Pointer Teen Movement – Our purpose is to honor unsung heroes who are committed to stopping violence and saving America’s children. Our concept is to provide events that will raise awareness and provide continuous dialogue that lead to change in communities across the country.
About Inner Visions – Our mission is to create a safe, thriving region where inequities are eliminated and relationships of mutual benefit are formed. We connect people across neighborhood boundaries to work on meaningful grassroots community improvement projects.
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