DC Art Exhibit Unites Community for Human Rights Awareness

More than 100 attendees gathered at the historic Fraser Mansion in Washington, DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood for the "United for Human Rights" pop-up art exhibit, a collaborative effort between the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, Youth for Human Rights International's Washington, DC chapter, and Art Impact International. The event was part of the monthly First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle cultural program, bringing together diverse artistic expressions celebrating human rights advocacy. Seven distinguished artists showcased their powerful works, including portraits of famous human rights activists, landscapes, abstract pieces, layered artwork, batik art, and innovative wax on glass creations.

The exhibition featured prominent artists Carolyn Goodridge, E. J. Lee, P.J.P. Martin, Sharon Robinson, Patrick Smith, and J. Thomas Wells, who were present to discuss their creative processes and the human rights themes that inspired their work. Additional artwork from Hubert Jackson was displayed and discussed by Carolyn Goodridge, providing attendees with direct access to the artists' perspectives. Mr. Azhar Haq, Executive Director of Youth for Human Rights International's DC chapter, emphasized the profound role of art in human rights advocacy, noting that "Art speaks where words can't fully communicate the same concepts" and highlighting how art brings people of different beliefs and cultures together to appreciate beauty, especially during the meaningful holiday season when peace becomes particularly significant.

Beyond the visual art experience, the event provided free educational materials on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, courtesy of Youth for Human Rights International, whose mission focuses on promoting human rights awareness through creative expression. These valuable resources on the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights remain available free at www.youthforhumanrights.org, with additional information accessible through their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/YHRDC. The Art Walk Dupont program continues as a recurring cultural experience that brings free art exhibits to galleries, embassies, and cultural centers throughout the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood, fostering community engagement with important social issues through artistic mediums.