(TRENTON, NJ) -- Artworks presents The Souls Shot Portrait Project and Moms Demand Action from June 14 – July 16, 2022. The Souls Shot Portrait Project uses the transformative power of art to bring an end to gun violence. Artists, working with families, create portraits to honor the souls shot.  By exhibiting the resulting artwork to the public, we invite the community to recognize what has been lost and to take action to end gun violence. 

This project links fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence. The artists meet with the victims' loved ones to learn about the lives they lived. Their goal is to present diverse works that in some way relay graphically, or through narrative, the essence of the person being portrayed.

Their mission is to bring attention to and memorialize the lives lost and tragically altered due to gun violence. Portraits have the unique ability to call out the souls and profoundly affect those who see them.  

They hope that this project will continue to bring some joy and peace to the families and friends of victims and, by bringing attention to the scourge of gun violence in this way, be a call to action to all who see them.  They will continue with this project, expand its reach, and hopefully reach the blessed day it will no longer be needed.

Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. We pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. We also work in our own communities and with business leaders to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership. We know that gun violence is preventable, and we’re committed to doing what it takes to keep families safe.

The Everytown Survivor Network is a nationwide community of survivors working together to end gun violence. The Survivor Network connects survivors to each other, amplifies the power of survivor voices, offers trauma-informed programs, provides information on direct services, and supports survivors who choose to become advocates.

Artworks is located at 19 Everett Alley in Trenton, New Jersey. Artworks, Trenton’s downtown visual arts center, is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Corporation, that promotes artistic diversity by fostering creativity, learning, and appreciation of the arts. Our exhibitions, workshops and events make art an accessible experience for all, building community among and between art students of all ages, professional and amateur artists, inner city and suburban residents, die-hard art fans and first time art appreciators.

IMAGE: Portrait of Diane Mokos Kriz by Loren Dann