Special Events

The Rape Crisis Center of Catawba County, Inc and the Newton-Conover Civic and Performance Place are collaborating on the Jeans for Justice event scheduled for May 20, 2008 to demonstrate the rights of sexual assault victims through art. Jeans for Justice event will urge people to wear and decorate jeans in remembrance of a 1999 decision in Italian High Court. The court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans at the time of the attack. The court’s ruling included, “It is common knowledge…that jeans cannot even be partly removed without the effective help of the person wearing them…and it is impossible for the victim if she is struggling with all her might.”  Following the ruling, a group of female Italian lawmakers wore jeans to parliament. This action prompted women all over Italy to join in a skirt strike and wear jeans. Protests have now gone global and are currently taking place with our Jeans for Justice Event. This innovative event will create an opportunity for artists, the community, and survivors to connect. 

Artists and designers from all around our community will be redefining fashion with their own designs on jeans. This mix of artists and designers will alter and embellish 50 pairs of jeans via paint, reconstruction, and signature embellishments. These jeans will be on display during the month of May leading up to the event at the Newton-Conover Civic and Performance Place. A traveling display will be designed by staff, volunteers, and board members of both agencies that will travel around the area to promote the event and raise awareness about sexual violence and the healing of art therapy. Throughout the evening of the event, models of all ages, shapes, and sizes will flaunt these masterpieces on the runway for lucky patrons to admire. A silent auction will follow the runway show where style-savvy beneficiaries can shop 100% guilt-free. Proceeds will benefit both the Rape Crisis Center and The NewArt School (50% split) in an ever-so-stylish effort to unite the Catawba County community and honor sexual assault survivors. This event will also increase visibility of both agencies and create new audiences to support the arts and the outreach services of the Rape Crisis Center.

Our goal for the event is to raise awareness about sexual violence, connect artists, victims, and the community, increase both agencies visibility, gain community support for the arts, and raise funds for both agencies.  Artists interested in participating may contact either agency.  Tickets include admission to this "Denim to Dazzling" gallery and fashion show event, Silent Auction, Hor d' oeuvers and a cash bar. 

For more information please call our office at 828-322-6011.