The artwork created in the Mosaic Project is part of an ongoing community education effort by The Julian Center to increase awareness of domestic violence. As an ancient art form, the mosaic assures humanity that beauty can emerge from brokenness. Much like the colorful shards you see in the mosaics here, clients’ lives come to The Julian Center in pieces. They seek a safe place to gather the broken bits, to fit them back together, to become whole again.

These lives can never be reconstructed, however, based on an image of the old. They are rebuilt only in new ways. Pieces of the past combine with dreams for the future to create a new self-portrait for women and their children. This process is deliberate and difficult, as with any work of art, but the outcome inspires our awe. By providing long-term therapy, shelter, and education, The Julian Center helps clients slowly mix the mortar that will hold their lives together anew.

Participants in the Mosaic Project also come from all walks of life to create these works of art. Some identify themselves as survivors of abuse, others as friends or family members of survivors. The project has helped to educate many groups¾ businesses, churches, schools, service-clubs, corporations, prisons, healthcare providers, and mental health organizations¾ about the realities of abuse in our society. Each group creates its own unique symbolism to describe the healing possible for lives shattered by the trauma of abusive relationships.

Developed through a generous grant from the Indianapolis Arts Council, all mosaics created for this project become part of the exhibit touring central Indiana.

If you are interested in participating in the Mosaic Project by creating a mosaic, donating supplies, or displaying all or part of the exhibit, please contact The Julian Center at 317.941.2200.

The Healing Cycle

Steps Toward Wholeness