Newburyport, MA -- The PEG Center for Art & Activism is hosting a group show that features 15 artists and calls for action to curb gun violence. "Wear Orange: Artists Unite Against Gun Violence," curated by artist Doris Madsen in collaboration with the Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, is on display. The public is invited to view the exhibition.

There will be a special event on Thursday, June 16th in conjunction with the Greater Newburyport Women in Action Huddle. It will include an artist reception and program with remarks by Madsen, Mom's Demand Action survivor advocate Ann Haaser, along with gun violence survivor and Everytown activist Gregor Gibson, whose son Galen was killed by a shooter in 1992 at Simon's Rock College. A short film produced by Madsen about the original 2021 Wear Orange online exhibition will be followed by a discussion about community activist actions.

PEG Center Executive Director Paula Estey emphasizes that the time is now. "Recent shootings require a united, widespread response that includes gun laws and mental health resources. Art is just one way to highlight this ongoing crisis and to honor the victims and survivors. We hope people will take in this exhibition and support the June 16th event, where artists and speakers will open our minds and hearts to the realities of what gun violence does to families, cities, and this country. You will leave with actions to take and a lot of support," she added.

Madsen created the first Wear Orange exhibition in Easthampton, MA, after witnessing the social inequities revealed during the pandemic and the attention on police brutality. She gathered artists who reached into their creative psyche to express individual and community resilience to a national epidemic of gun violence. The virtual art exhibit of more than 50 artists (17 survivors) became a centerpiece of the Moms Demand Action chapters' observance of Wear Orange on the first weekend in June.

Orange is the defining color of the gun violence prevention movement nationwide. The public is encouraged to wear orange to raise awareness about gun violence and to support community partners fighting for change.

Madsen, who lives in Western Massachusetts is a retired librarian and an artist member of Zea Mays Printmaking. "The art in ‘Wear Orange,' though beautiful, conveys horror and evil and confronts the viewer. How can we live our lives like this Our separate voices become one really loud voice for more people to understand the reasons behind gun violence prevention. We are all in this together. What happens in my community affects your community. We must have empathy, love and hope, if we are ever going to get through this," Madsen said.

The Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is planning Wear Orange events for the weekend of June 3-5. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. The organization campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. It is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the U.S. with more than 5 million supporters and more than 350,000 donors.

Donations throughout the "Wear Orange: Artists Unite Against Gun Violence" exhibition can be made to:

* The Galen Gibson Fund at https://goneboy.com/the-galen-gibson-fund/,
* the Massachusetts Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America at https://give.everytownsupportfund.org/team/399267, and
* The PEG Center for Art & Activism at www.paypal.me/pegcenter. Any amount is appreciated.

Date: June 7 through July 30, 2022

Hours:
Tues, Wed and Thu 12-5PM
Fri and Sat 12-4PM

Venue:
PEG Center for Arts and Activism
3 Harris Street
Newburyport, MA 01950

For Details, Paula Estey can be reached at 978-376-4746 or [email protected].