Courage Ablaze

The Women and Children of Congo

Courage Ablaze seeks to engage and inform audiences concerning the worldwide refugee crisis. Prospective exhibits aim to exercise human empathy, resilience, and compassion. Strategies are created for specific community situations. Visitors experience inspiring stories on sensitive subject matter, which are paired with stunning portraits called Portraits of Courage.

The exhibit also involves a participatory response element. While interacting with the installation, visitors personally connect with the art on multiple levels. The exhibit also includes practical ways visitors can get involved to help those dealing with social conflicts. Courage Ablaze powerfully illustrates the resilience of the human spirit strengthened through the furnace of affliction.

Read the inspirational story behind Courage Ablaze…
Listen to the Podcast…

Courage Ablaze is dedicated to the estimated two million Congolese women who have been raped, Congo's Silent Heroes.

Courage Ablaze, Watercolor on paper, 66x44 inches, 2012

Through refugee advocacy, Courage Ablaze helped educate the public on the tragic genocide and wide-scale rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Portraits of Courage reveal the fierce determination within these remarkable people.

Courage Ablaze debut at ArtPrize 2012

Video by Chad Kremer of Zuiderkruis Productions, 2014

For reasons of security and personal sensitivity, models have been used to represent the Congolese survivors.