A Look Back at a Special Event

Last winter we were so lucky to exhibit the portraits at the beautiful gallery in the Willingboro Library, Willingboro New Jersey. The Reverend LeRoi Gill had made arrangements for us to show the portraits there and he planned a memorable opening reception with singers, speakers and, to our surprise, dogs! He had been at the premiere of the third edition of the Souls Shot: Portraits of Victims of Gun Violence exhibition last November at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia. He witnessed first hand the impact of the portraits and the sometimes overwhelming emotions that overtook the viewers. He had the compassionate idea of inviting the Crisis Canines to reception at the library. This is a group that train their dogs to be friendly and gentle and they travel to all manor of tragedies, including shootings, to comfort survivors.

Our project focuses on bringing awareness of the epidemic gun violence to those who are not fully aware of its impact. Those who participate in the project take a very emotional journey to bring the portraits to the public. We are so grateful to all of our host venues for helping us in our mission.

Another benefit to come out of the exhibition in Willingboro was that several members of Moms Demand Action were in attendance and have become active with our project. We have formed the South Jersey Chapter of Souls Shot: Portraits of Victims of Gun Violence. The pandemic has thrown a wrench in the workings of our plans but we hope to have an exhibition in the coming months.