Come to a powerful night of art, conversation, inspiration and activism that includes viewing the powerful art exhibit “When Caged Birds Sing,” and hearing a talk on “art as activism” by the exhibit’s creator, sculptor Ann Weiner. Presented by the CT chapter of the National Organization for Women in partnership with the Housatonic Museum of Art, this very special event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, in the Performing Arts Center, located in Lafayette Hall on the campus of HCC at 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport.

Featuring life-sized sculptures of kidnapping victim Grace Akallo from Uganda, transgender activist Laverne Cox from the U.S., sex trafficking victim Jhinna Pinchi from Peru and five other current women’s rights activists, the exhibit is designed to put a spotlight on women unafraid to “sing” their stories of survival and stand up for those still at risk. Domestic abuse, sex trafficking, date rape, kidnapping, transphobia, female genital mutilation, honor killings, child brides and the denial of educational to girls are among the important issues tackled. The exhibit’s name is based on the Maya Angelou poem “Caged Bird.” The exhibit will close Feb. 10, so don’t miss this unique opportunity. “I tell the stories of these incredible women in the hope that their voices will be heard, their suffering will be seen, and that more of the world will rise up to prevent the abuses they have endured, which are still inflicted on their mothers, sisters, and daughters,” said Weiner. Seating is limited so please reserve your place by emailing .

The evening will include light refreshments immediately following the talk.

About CT NOW:
Founded in 1970, the Connecticut chapter of the National Organization for Women is proud to be part of the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. The grassroots arm of the women’s movement, we are one of more than 500 local and campus national NOW affiliates across the United States and a leader–rather than a follower–of public opinion. NOW activists use both traditional and non-traditional means to push for social change. NOW members and partner organizations work together to organize mass marches, rallies, pickets, non-violent civil disobedience and immediate, responsive “zap” actions; lobby legislators; share stories; and otherwise carry out actions to meet our many priorities, which in their broadest sense focus on these six core issues:

• Winning economic justice and equality
• Guaranteeing equal rights for women through the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
• Championing abortion rights, reproductive freedom and other women’s health issues
• Opposing racism
• Fighting bigotry against LGBTQI
• Ending violence against women and girls

For more information or to get involved, visit now-ct.org.