T-shirt exhibit carries powerful message

The Clothesline Project made a stop at the Commons Plaza on Wednesday. The project, which is sponsored by the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Education and Services, displays T-shirts created by victims of sexual assault.

Sarah Hudgins, caretaker of the exhibit, said all the shirts were created by women in the Richmond area.

Tammy McKeown, coordinator of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Services and co-organizer of the Clothesline Project, said around 150 people saw the shirts last year.

Junior Melissa Miles saw the exhibit last year and created a shirt for this year’s display.

“I was so moved by last year,” she said. “It influenced me to make a shirt.”

McKeown said events such as the Clothesline Project are important because they raise awareness and can be used by victims of sexual assault as a healing mechanism.

“It is likened to the AIDS quilt because it gives victims a voice,” she said.

McKeown added it was important to give victims a voice because only 5 percent of rapes are reported. The project aims to help victims report incidents, she said.

“Even if one person reports a rape, then it will be a success.”

One shirt in particular seemed to affect passersby. After reading the shirt, many stepped back to regain their composure.

The shirt, a teal polo, had its pocket partially ripped off, and the victim’s accounts of overcoming her pain were in its place. Across the bottom of the shirt was a story of her rape in detail.

“As I was hanging the shirts I would read them, and after about four I had to step back because they were so powerful,” McKeown said.

Several men could be seen looking at the shirts. McKeown said it was important for men to see the exhibit.

This year also marks the first that VCU had its own section among the traveling shirts. The section was created, McKeown said, because VCU students expressed interest in creating shirts. She said that in future years the exhibits will consist of mainly VCU student contributions.

Kathleen Johnson, the student organizer for the event, said the exhibit is a way for students to express themselves through artwork.

Three workshops were held throughout the semester to help students create their shirts. Six of the shirts will stay on campus.

Beth Ward, volunteer services coordinator of the University Student Commons, viewed the exhibit.

“All are so unique,” she said. “They all tell a story.”

One shirt created by a VCU student caught her attention. On the shirt were a small liquor bottle, alcohol stains and the word “NO” burned into the fabric.

Miles appeared emotional yet optimistic as she looked at the shirts. She said the display was difficult to view.

“But people are talking, which is good,” Miles said. “Last year it seemed no one was talking.”

SAVES will host “Take Back the Night” 7 p.m. on April 25 in the Commonwealth Ballroom.