Healing Through Art: Sojourner’s Inaugural Art Tour
“Art is healing. It encourages us, anchors us, and can bring us peace and belonging,” said Carmen Pitre. “Artwork featured at the Family Peace Center is a collection curated over time. Survivors, employees and visitors are represented in thoughtfully acquired pieces to ensure that this is a place of peace.”
On July 30, 2026, Sojourner Family Peace Center welcomed friends and donors of Sojourner for an inaugural Art Tour. This special event highlighted the important role art plays in the healing journey of the survivors we serve, while showcasing the remarkable collection of artwork displayed throughout our spaces.
The tour offered guests an opportunity to learn about several talented artists whose stories also inspire reflection, resilience, and hope.
One featured artist was Dr. Yemonja Smalls, a Chicago native whose artwork is deeply influenced by her work with individuals with disabilities. Sojourner is honored to display nine of Dr. Smalls’ pieces, many of which emphasize themes of self-care and personal wellness. At Sojourner, self-care and creative expression remain central components of the healing process, empowering clients to move forward on their journeys.
Guests also learned about David Lenz, a Milwaukee-based artist whose paintings draw inspiration from both the people he encounters and the natural world around him, including the sun, moon, and stars. Through his work, Lenz reminds us of the beauty found in diversity and the value of surrounding ourselves with people who broaden our perspectives, inspire growth, and encourage connection.
Another artist highlighted was Leroy Campbell, a self-taught visual artist who was born with deformed fingers. Despite this challenge, his hands became instruments of creativity, liberation, and legacy. Campbell’s work celebrates various aspects of the Black experience while conveying stories of strength, culture, and perseverance. His art resonates deeply with Sojourner’s commitment to diversity, representation, and honoring the unique experiences of those we serve.
The tour also featured the work of Marion Coffey, whose passion for art began in childhood and led her to study at the American Academy of Art, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Fontainebleau School of Fine Arts. Reflecting on her lifelong dedication to art, Coffey said, “I drew before I did much else and have spent a lifetime in this magical world of colors and shapes. I feel so lucky to be able to spend endless hours and countless days in total absorption of line, colors, and form.”
At Sojourner, we are deeply proud of the artwork that adorns our walls. These pieces offer healing for our clients and inspiration through the artists and their stories. Our hope is that these works encourage everyone who has been impacted by domestic violence to recognize the power of their own stories of resilience, courage, and transformation.
Learn More About the Featured Artists
Schedule Your Own Art Tour
If you are interested in experiencing Sojourner’s art collection, we invite you to schedule a tour. To learn more or arrange a visit, please contact:
Susan Smieja
