4/25/24

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - FHSU students and faculty from Criminal Justice, Clinical Psychology, and Art and Design recently created a pilot research project to explore the often-neglected facets of gender-based violence through art illustration and storytelling. Through this innovative project, researchers and artists use art and storytelling as tools to empower survivors and individuals navigating trauma, fostering resilience along the way.

An interdisciplinary team presented their pilot project research at ResilienceCon in Nashville, Tenn., April 14-17. The project was funded through FHSU’s Undergraduate Research Experience and Education Opportunity Fund.

“Working with other people’s stories has taught me a lot about the universal language of art,” said Jenny Cox, senior art and design student. “The majority of people we presented to, though they weren’t artists, found connection with our work.”

The team’s project invites survivors to reclaim their narratives and find strength in shared experiences. Through the transformative power of storytelling and art, survivors are building bridges of empathy and understanding.

Tasanya Rowe, a research team member pursuing a master’s in clinical psychology, was recognized with the Life Promising Scholar Honorable Mention, an accolade typically reserved for doctoral candidates and established scholars.

“Presenting our findings at ResilienceCon was an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed us to share our passion for understanding and addressing gender-based violence through the lens of illustrations and resilience,” Rowe said. “Engaging with fellow researchers and practitioners at the conference provided valuable feedback and perspectives, enriching our understanding and shaping future directions for our work.”

Team members attending ResilienceCon included: Matthias Pearce (Criminal Justice, B.S.); Tasanya Rowe (Clinical Psychology, MS); Emily Schoeppner, (Art Education with an emphasis in painting and drawing, B.A.); Jenny Cox (Drawing, B.F.A); Lexis Beesley (Painting and Drawing, B.F.A.); Amy Schmierbach; (Art and Design, M.F.A.); Ziwei Qi (Criminal Justice, Ph. D).

For information on the team’s research and upcoming initiatives, please contact Dr. Ziwei Qi at z_qi5@fhsu.edu or Amy Schmierbach at aschmier@fhsu.edu.