Visitors look at an art piece part of the “Art for Darfur” exhibit held Thursday in the Meadows School of the Arts. (Nick McCarthy)
SMU’s Amnesty International organization hosted a silent auction in honor of victims from Darfur on Thursday in the Meadows School of the Arts. The silent auction was called “Art for Darfur.” SMU and local artists, along with Dallas refugees, donated their artwork to be sold.
“This event is part of our National Week of Student Action and our main project is on Darfur this year,” said senior Tiana Lightfoot. The proceeds from the event are going to aid the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS).
Kristin Schutz, the vice president of Amnesty International, said the proceeds are going to the AMIS patrols who protect the women from rape when they leave their villages to collect firewood. The group of people committing these acts is the Janjaweed militias, who target women and young girls.
The showcased artwork was placed around the ballroom and a live jazz band played at the front of the room while students, faculty and volunteers socialized. Many of the artists were also in attendance, and people could ask the artist what their inspirations were for their pieces.
The artwork donated came from a variety of sources and included oil paintings, photography, jewelry and pottery. All of the artwork had a common theme: to promote awareness about Darfur and human rights issues in general. Junior Christin Siems said, “It is really cool to see the community take part in this because it is such an important issue.”
All of the artists had different perspectives about the Darfur crisis, which was showcased through their artwork. Many of the artists have an passion for human rights issues, specifically Darfur.
Mora Namdar, one of the artists, said, “Human Rights is one of my passions, and I hope that this visual image which I have created will inspire people to help with the Darfur crisis.” Her painting included many visuals and words.
“My painting is like a woven storybook but in visual form,” she said.
Another artist, Whiteny Eidman, focused her paintings on doves.
“Doves represent peace and unity, which is greatly needed in Darfur,” she said.
One of her paintings has a quote by Martin Luther King Jr that reads, “We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.”
Some SMU professors encouraged their students to attend the event and get involved. SMU history professor Rick Halperin said, “In general, most Americans know very little about Darfur and student actions on behalf of Darfur are definitely raising awareness and people’s activism.”
“It is important SMU produce people who will be the future leaders of the country to be aware about worldly issues such as Darfur.”
