EASTON — Art has the extraordinary ability to give a voice to stories that deserve to be heard. For Garnette Hines, art teacher at Kennard Elementary School (KES), that belief took on profound meaning through her participation in SOLE Strength, an exhibition presented by the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence at Market at Dover Station in Easton.
Created in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the exhibition features more than 25 artists interpreting the personal journeys of domestic violence survivors through original artwork.
Hines created a mixed-media piece featuring layered maps and imagery that traces one survivor’s journey across geographical and emotional boundaries. Featuring the powerful declaration “My Strength Stretches Across Continents,” her artwork reflects the distance traveled, obstacles overcome, and courage required to begin a new life.
Displayed alongside her artwork were the actual shoes worn by the survivor when she left her abusive situation, offering a deeply personal reminder of the real stories behind each artistic interpretation.
In an unexpected connection, Hines and Kris Kelley, Assistant Director of RiverArts in Chestertown, were paired with the same survivor’s story. While Hines used maps and layered imagery to represent her journey, Kelley created an installation of suspended stained-glass butterflies symbolizing transformation, freedom, and renewal. Their contrasting interpretations demonstrated how one woman’s experience could inspire distinctly powerful artistic expressions.
Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, attended the October 21 opening reception and reflected on the exhibition’s emotional impact.
“Seeing the actual shoes these women wore as they walked away from abusive situations was incredibly moving,” said Bell. “No one should ever have to endure those experiences, yet these women found the strength to move forward. Garnette’s work honors that courage beautifully. I’m especially proud that our students learn from practicing artists like her who understand how creativity can give people a voice, build empathy, and make a meaningful difference.”
Hines’ artistic contributions extend beyond SOLE Strength. Her work is also featured in the Sixth Annual QACPS Faculty Art Show at the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts in Centreville, on display through November 1. Visitors to Market at Dover Station in Easton can also explore her three-dimensional artwork and original printmaking available for purchase on the lower level.
Hines recently celebrated another professional milestone with the acceptance of her first national presentation at the 2027 National Art Education Association (NAEA) Convention in New York City. She will join Bell and fellow QACPS art educators whose presentations and workshops were also accepted, continuing the district’s growing presence and recognition on the national arts education stage.
Beyond celebrating artistic expression, SOLE Strength raises awareness of domestic violence and supports the ongoing work of the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence through an accompanying online art auction.
The exhibition is free and open to the public October 22–31 at Market at Dover Station, 500 Dover Road in Easton. Visitors can learn more about the exhibition and place bids on participating artists’ work through the online auction at www.mscfv.org (external link)..
For Hines, the experience is a powerful reminder that art is more than what we create. It is also about the stories we honor, the understanding we inspire, and the lives we touch.