Gun Violence Awareness Month marked by art exhibit opening at State Library

Lt. Governor Austin Davis and the Governor's Advisory Commissions have inaugurated the Souls Shot Portrait Project exhibit at the Pennsylvania State Library, marking Gun Violence Awareness Month. The event was attended by surviving family members of gun violence victims, artists, and policymakers, aiming to honor those lost annually to gun violence in Pennsylvania and advocate for initiatives that enhance community safety.

The Souls Shot Portrait Project is an initiative that pairs artists with families and friends of gun violence victims to create portraits that memorialize their lives. This traveling exhibit has been displayed in the lobby of the Pennsylvania State Library since June 4th and will remain open to the public until June 30th without any admission fee.

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis commented on the efforts made across various counties in reducing gun violence due to collaborative work between law enforcement and community-based organizations. "In many counties across the Commonwealth, gun violence is down, thanks to the good work of state and local law enforcement, as well as community-based violence prevention organizations," said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who leads the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). He emphasized that "there is much more work to be done" because "gun violence isn’t just a Philadelphia or Pittsburgh problem – it’s a Pennsylvania problem, and it’s uniquely an American problem." He concluded by affirming that it is a challenge that must be addressed.

Speakers at the event included Ashley Walkowiak, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women; Lt. Gov. Austin Davis; and Aubrey Fink from the Souls Shot Portrait Project.