Scars of Beauty shines bright

SCARS of Beauty, the art exhibition, auction and weekend long event aimed at raising awareness and money for birth trauma came to an end with an exciting family day on Sunday.

The exhibition, which was organised by local mums Emma Jensen and Alicia Huddy, was a success with their $3000 dollar target well and truly reached with over $4,000 being raised for the Australasian Birth Trauma Association.

The event called for local artists, mothers, health professionals, and others affected by birth trauma to create and submit artwork inspired by the issue for display and in some cases be auctioned.

Ms Jensen said over 150 pieces of for art were received for the exhibition and the reaction to the whole event was heart-warming.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “People were thankful to share stories, feel a sense of connection with others and wanted to learn more about birth related trauma.”

“People left the exhibition with a sense of gratitude, respect and hope.”

Ms Jensen said there seems to be a desire for another Scars of Beauty exhibition next year.

“We’ve had lots of questions and requests about whether it will be an annual event in Bendigo,” she said.

While the positive feedback and large turnout at the event has Ms Jensen considering doing it all again, she’s keen to see the event expand and grow.

“It was so enriching for our community that we would definitely like another Scars exhibition,” she said.

“There’d need to be a committee of volunteers and similar sponsorship donations in order to have another successful exhibition.

“We’d love for more local health professionals and university academics and midwifery students to become involved.”