Laurie Davenport poses in front of Plymouth Church’s “The Art of Survival” exhibition wall.
Last Sunday, following their worship services, Plymouth Church hosted a reception to launch Laurie Davenport’s solo exhibition, “The Art of Survival.”
Joe Williams, the event’s organizer and Plymouth Church’s Director of Music and Arts invited Plymouth Healing Communities’ Executive Director, Padrica Hoffman, to give the opening remarks.
Padrica applauded the powerful art exhibit, describing the artwork as a “testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and the shared humanity that binds us all.” She urged us to engage with Laurie, share in her creativity, and let Laurie’s stories, which compel us to “challenge stereotypes, raise awareness and ultimately foster a more compassionate and inclusive society, touch our hearts.”
Padrica shared that “homelessness is not merely a societal issue, but a deeply human experience that transcends preconceptions, affecting individuals from all walks of life.” She reminded us, “It’s a challenge that could fall on any of us.” She concluded her remarks by asking us to acknowledge this challenge, humanize it, and allow Laurie’s art to break down the barriers that sometimes separate us from our fellow human beings in need.
Laurie Davenport
“I’m impressed with PHC. Their emphasis on permanent supportive housing and availability of medical respite and companionship/support are exactly what should be happening and growing.”
“Laurie Davenport paints what is what is ‘out there’ — the people and places of the Pacific Northwest…”
Painting and quote from Laurie’s WordPress website.
Exhibition Information
Plymouth Church is hosting the exhibition through November 19. If you could not attend last week’s event, we strongly urge you to come and experience Laurie’s powerful art exhibit, which aims to “humanize individuals experiencing homelessness.”
The paintings on display are available for purchase, and 50% of the proceeds from the sales will support PHC’s programs and services.
Plymouth Church is located at 1217 Sixth Avenue in downtown Seattle. For more information, please call 206-622-4865.
We are humbled and immensely grateful for Laurie’s generosity. We are also thankful to Plymouth Church for hosting this impactful art exhibit, and we would like to give a special shout-out to Joe Williams for their hard work spearheading this exceptional and thought-provoking event.
““The Art of Survival is an exhibition, strategically installed in downtown Seattle, which challenges our individualistic social positions. What is the moral implication of admiring a beautifully painted two-dimensional portrait of someone huddled in a sleeping bag we could have easily just passed by on our way inside? Artist Laurie Davenport’s honest depictions invite empathy and reflection as to why we normalize vulnerable populations existing in survival mode.””
To learn about the exhibition, contact Joe Williams at jwilliams@plymouthchurchseattle.org.