Unveiling Courage: “Every Step Matters” Art Exhibition at The Center for Family Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Event Date: April 2, 2026
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: The Center for Family Justice - Former Daycare Space
753 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604

Bridgeport, CT — On April 2nd, The Center for Family Justice will host one of its most powerful and heartfelt events of the year: the annual Unveiling Courage Art Exhibition. More than an art show, Unveiling Courage is an evening of healing, storytelling, and community support. An opportunity to stand with survivors of sexual violence and honor their strength through creative expression.

Last year, more than 300 attendees came together in solidarity. This year’s exhibition deepens its emotional impact with an immersive format built around the 2026 theme:

“Every Step Matters.”

Visitors will be guided by footprints leading through multiple rooms, each representing a different moment in the emotional journey of disclosing sexual violence. These scenes illuminate the fear, bravery, uncertainty, hope, and resilience survivors experience, encouraging attendees to witness, reflect, and walk alongside them.

The guiding message for the evening:

“Their path. Their journey. Their story. Our support.”

Leadership Message Ahead of the Exhibition

“Unveiling Courage – Every Step Matters – highlights the strength, resilience, and healing journeys of those impacted by sexual violence.

By bringing together survivors and allies through diverse artistic mediums—including painting, sculpture, photography, spoken word, music, dance, ceramics, and mixed media—the exhibition creates a space where awareness becomes action and stories become sources of empowerment.

Unveiling Courage is more than an art show—it is a movement of solidarity, strength, and hope.

Every story shared. Every voice lifted. Every step matters.”

— Nanja Raymond, Program Manager, Sexual Violence and Campus Advocacy Services

Survivors, allies, CFJ clients, staff, campus partners, and community members are invited to contribute artwork in any form, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, craft, collage, photography, spoken word, dance, music, mosaic, and more. Art supplies can be provided, and volunteers will be available to assist with group projects, installation, or display setup.

Because the event takes place in the former daycare space, artists will also have the opportunity to use the walls for hanging or painting artwork, allowing for immersive and powerful displays.

Artist Registration & RSVP Link:https://forms.gle/FoKm6hsYvwFhZcCo9
Registration Deadline: March 13, 2026
Titles & Descriptions Due: March 20, 2026 at 5 PM

“What Were You Wearing?” Exhibit Returns

Unveiling Courage will again feature the impactful “What Were You Wearing?” installation—a solemn and emotional exhibit displaying outfits that represent what survivors wore at the time they were assaulted. These displays, presented with anonymity and care, challenge harmful myths and invite viewers to reflect on the realities of sexual violence with compassion and understanding.

Introducing the Unveiling Courage Scholarship Program

New for 2026, the Campus Advocacy Team is proud to launch the Unveiling Courage Scholarship Program, supporting students impacted by sexual violence who plan to pursue visual or performing arts.

The scholarship is open to students who are:

• Graduating high school seniors
• Impacted by sexual violence
• Enrolled in an art‑related associate or bachelor’s program
• Attending one of CFJ’s partner institutions
• Passionate and ready to create meaningful work

Students may apply through their guidance counselor or by contacting:
campusadv@centerforfamilyjustice.org

This scholarship reflects CFJ’s belief that survivors deserve not only healing, but opportunity—a chance to dream, to create, and to step into their future with confidence.

Unveiling Courage is an evening that welcomes tears, conversation, reflection, and connection. It is a space where survivors can feel seen, believed, and supported—and where the community can stand beside them with compassion and unwavering solidarity.

Above all, the event reinforces a powerful truth:

No one walks this journey alone. Every step matters. Every story matters. Every survivor matters.