Souls Shot
Oftentimes, victims of gun violence are represented as statistics. And while this data can be striking, we must remember that behind each number is a face – a person with a unique story, with their own passions, joys, and fears.
It is with this sentiment in mind that DPC is honored to host Souls Shot: Portraits of Victims of Gun Violence. This traveling exhibit features artworks honoring and memorializing lives cut short. These portraits have been created by artists working with the loved ones of the victims. The visual representations offer intimate glimpses as a way to raise awareness of the cost to our communities, to touch hearts and minds, and to move people to take action.
Souls Shot at DPC is presented by the church’s Peace and Justice Committee and the Matthew 25 Task Force, which focuses on structural racism.
Souls Shot in DPC’s Celtic Cross Room (inside the sanctuary building accessible through the red doors at 127 E. Court Street or under the bridge at 125 Mechanics Street) on Sundays (Sept. 3 through 24) from 12-4 pm, on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 12-4 pm and Tuesdays (Sept. 5 through 26) from 6-8 pm. A special reception featuring a guest speaker and refreshments will be held following worship on Sept. 10.
Matthew 25 Task Force member Tanner Benson shared her thoughts on the exhibit and the issue that inspired its creation: “Guns are the leading cause of death in children and, as a mother of two, this issue is often at the forefront of my mind. I worry for the safety of all children and believe it is important to continue to work to find solutions to protect our kids.”
DPC member Dick Cornelius, who has been a regular attendee in DPC’s discussion group focused on gun violence awareness had this to say: “The U.S. Declaration of Independence emphasizes that all people have certain inalienable rights, which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And yet, the U.S. currently has one of the highest rates of gun homicide in the developed world. Is it time for the US to discuss and consider the successful measures other countries have implemented to to reduce gun violence?”
For more information about Souls Shot, visit www.soulsshotportraitproject.org