Young men who are seeking asylum in the US exhibited their artwork through the Viator House of Hospitality exhibit, “Journey Beyond Hope,” at The Empty Corner studio in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The exhibit ran for the month of February, and reproductions of their work and special merchandise featuring their work were available for sale with proceeds benefitting the artists.
Guests tour the artwork, including the depiction of Washington (visible in the center background of the photo).
One young man from Afghanistan depicted Washington, DC in his piece, and Executive Director Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, offered some backstory to that artwork on Instagram Live: “He painted that image because when he was in Afghanistan, under the threat of the Taliban, he would see the news from Washington – and it meant freedom to him. Now he is here, and he is free. And he’s seeking asylum because of Viator House and our supporters,” Fr. Corey said.
To cap this monthlong exhibition, participants, friends, and benefactors of Viator House gathered for a reception last Friday, which included live music from Grammy Award-Winning composer and pianist Maria Rago. Development Director Ben Gray finds a variety of encouragement from this whole effort and the response.
“We did the same sort of show last year, and this turnout was even double what we had last year. So far this season and since the election, the response we’re getting from our communities has been really encouraging,” Ben said. “People are showing up in ways that they haven’t before, and they’re donating time, money, and energy toward the work that we’re doing. It’s very encouraging, and we’re extremely happy to see this.”
Fr. Corey Brost assists one of the artists in presenting his work to the reception attendees.
Moreover, the turnout creates a platform for these young men to share their perspective and their journey with others. “The artists all spoke about their work, and attendees like to ask the artists about the meaning of their art. More than just what the art might mean, though, it’s great to hear the young men go deeper and share about why they made the treacherous journey to reach the US,” Ben said.
“They share what it means to them to have freedom and opportunity that somehow exists here for them and share what they’ve done with that opportunity. They take the little bit they’re given and multiply it. They go on to get their own apartment, create their own careers, and build happy and productive lives. That is the real message they offer,” Ben said.
Viatorians are called to read the signs of the times and identify people who society is trying to account of little importance. We strive to discern active responses to such marginalization. So, building on the many ways that several Viatorians were already accompanying people in migration, Fr. Corey and Br. Michael Gosch, CSV co-founded Viator House of Hospitality in 2017. The organization has served over 120 participants from 28 nations, built a robust network of community partnerships and volunteers, and offered a variety of advocacy and community engagement, including these art exhibitions.
Reception guests were treated to live music from Grammy Award-Winning composer and pianist Maria Rago.
The images of participants’ artwork, including that of a commerce center walled off by world currencies as well as a portrayal of a dark, red-outlined silhouette of an adult walking hand-in-hand with two children, can evoke various interpretations from each viewer. The exhibit also features a word wall with keywords and expressions Viator House participants have used to describe the community.
“One Arabic word posted there translates to ‘chance,’ which reflects the way that Viator House gives participants a new chance, even miles and miles from friends and family,” Fr. Corey said. “This is all such an example of the talent that the young men who are at Viator House are bringing to our nation. It is also a challenge to all of us to listen more attentively to the voices of migrants, because when we listen to them through art, we can not only be enriched but we can hear the call to accompany them.”
A few looks at the “word wall” of Viator House arts.
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