Artists meet families whose children died from gun violence

Thanks to all the artists and families who stopped by Vaughn Cultural Center on April 3rd to see the Faces Project. It was an emotional and powerful exhibit as the artist who painted portraits of children killed by gun violence got to meet the victim's family. There were tears, hugs and thank you's. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the victim's family. Your child will not be forgotten as the Faces Project will exhibit the portraits of your fallen children in the St. Louis area.

Gun violence is a public health issue affecting all of our children. Every day, 8 children in America lose their lives to gun violence. In St. Louis, children of color are dying among the highest rates in our country. More than 35,000 children and teens in Missouri live in homes with guns that are loaded and unlocked.

The Faces Project has teamed up with local St. Louis artist, to paint portraits of children who lost their lives to gun violence. These portraits are donated to the victim's family. The Faces Project is exhibiting these powerful portraits in the St. Louis area: April 3, 2014 at Vaughn Cultural Center, May 9, 2014 at Soulard Art Market and June 1, 2014 at Maryland Heights Community Center.

If you know of a child under the age of 18 who was killed by gun violence, we would love to paint their portrait. Please contact Jane Linders at janelinders@sbcglobal.net or Christine Ilewski at Christine.Ilewski@gmail for more information.