Souls Shot Portrait Project is bringing its important work to Mulberry Art Studios this September. The public is invited to a First Friday Opening Reception on Sept 5 from 5-8pm. Mulberry Art Studios is located at 19-21 N Mulberry Street in Lancaster, PA. To view the show after the opening, please email Stephanie.MulberryArt@gmail.com.

Souls Shot Portrait Project pairs fine artists with families and loved ones of individuals lost to gun violence. Through conversation, reflection, and deep listening, each artist creates a portrait that honors the life of the person lost. The works span a range of media, styles, and perspectives, reflecting the uniqueness of every life represented. When exhibited together, they create a powerful collective statement: these were real people-—family members, friends, neighbors—whose absence is felt every day. Viewers are invited to bear witness, to reflect on the cost of gun violence, and to honor the humanity of those portrayed. This exhibition features portraits of individuals from across Pennsylvania whose lives were lost to gun violence.

Souls Shot Portrait Project began with a simple but urgent question: how can art help address the epidemic of gun violence in our communities? Inspired by traditions of portraiture as a way to preserve memory and affirm dignity, the project was founded to connect artists with the people most directly impacted by this crisis. Every exhibition is built on those connections, giving form to loss and love in equal measure. The inspiration comes from the lives of the people portrayed—their joy, humor, creativity, and resilience—and from the determination of their loved ones to ensure they are never forgotten.