CALVERT COUNTY, Md. – Local domestic violence advocates, behavioral health organizations, and community partners will host Rivers of Change, on October 3, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Arts Council of Calvert County’s Kocen Arts Center (22 Duke Street Prince Frederick MD). This free community event combines collaborative art-making with education and resource sharing to raise awareness about domestic violence during October- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The centerpiece of the event features a unique collaborative artwork where survivors from the local shelter have written personal affirmations and messages of strength on a large canvas. During the event, local artist Sandra Steedle will create a river-themedpainting that incorporates and flows around these powerful words, symbolizing the continuous journey of healing and the strength found in community support.
This event represents everything we believe in – that survivors’ voices matter, that art can heal, and that our community has the power to create change, said Corrita Myers, Owner of Paisley Arts. The river theme perfectly captures how individual streams of courage, change and confidence join together to create something powerful and an unstoppable journey.
The event will include:
– Live collaborative art creation
– Education on domestic violence awareness
– Resource information featuring local support organizations
– Discussions with survivors, advocates, and the Director Calvert Behavioral Health and Calvert’s Center for Change
October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with statistics showing that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience intimate partner violence. Events like Rivers of Change aim to reduce stigma, increase awareness of available resources, and demonstrate community solidarity with survivors.
Following the event, the completed collaborative artwork will be displayed at the Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy Office at the Calvert County District Courthouse from October 13- November 30, 2025, extending the impact of domestic violence awareness throughout the community.
The event is free and open to all community members. Light refreshments will be provided. This is an adult only event. The venue is fully accessible, and the event is designed with trauma-informed practices to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
For more information about Rivers of Change visit www.calvertarts.org
Co-sponsorship:
Corrita Myers, Paisley Arts
Paisleyarts@info
Sandra Steedle, Sandra Paints
@sandra_paints23