Sticks and Stones Debunked

Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.

False

Words lead to VIOLENCE

Kim Roberts' interactive video installation "Focus on the Family."

On exhibit now through November 29 at Open Concept Gallery, 50 Louis NW, Grand Rapids

Kim Roberts, a professor at Grand Valley State University, took a year sabbatical to study evil. This art installation is the result of that work. The stories told in this installation expose the mean-spirited dehumanization of our human family and reveal the cultural, political, psychological, and personal consequences of hate crime in our society.

Ultimately, the work attempts to “re-humanize” the victims and asks all participants to reflect on the stories told and assess their own complicity in the ongoing discrimination and abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.

My family had the privilege of participating in Kim's work. The Grand Rapids Press gave this exhibit rave reviews. We hope you will be able to join our family on Friday, November 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. as we host a special showing of this exhibit. To RSVP, please click here.