April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness and educating individuals and communities on how to prevent sexual violence. To mark this month, Butler will host the “What Were You Wearing” exhibit at the Andover campus throughout April.
The exhibit will open on April 1 and is set to run throughout the entire month of April. It will be displayed in the hallway next to the bookstore on the Butler of Andover campus, located at 715 E. 13th Street in Andover. The exhibit is currently seeking submissions of art, poetry, short stories and more. Students, faculty and staff are invited to contribute to this Art and Awareness Exhibit, which aims for education, healing and reflection. The exhibit will address important issues such as sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and abuse, while also celebrating resilience and transformation.
Dean Valerie Haring reached out to Kaelib M. Harp and asked if he wanted to lead this project. Sarah Boman, the sexual assault advocate with Family Life Center, had contacted Haring about expanding the traditional "What Were You Wearing? (WWYW)" exhibit by incorporating art, poetry, short stories and other artistic expressions. In the past, the WWYW exhibit was held on the Butler of El Dorado campus and Boman had hoped to display it in the art gallery. Since the gallery is usually booked out two years in advance, that wasn’t an option. They rarely have opportunities to host exhibits like this on the Andover campus, so Haring thought of Harp because he had been in regular contact with her about bringing more art to the Andover’s walls. From there, Harp’s passion for art, planning, organizing, creating and helping people heal and learn became the driving force behind this project.
“Art, in all its forms, provides a powerful means of expression and healing,” Harp said. “It allows individuals to process their experiences, sometimes leading to moments of realization and emotional breakthroughs—not just for the artist, but also for those who engage with their work. Creativity is deeply ingrained in human nature, and many use it to navigate trauma. This exhibit serves as an opportunity for those who have experienced sexual trauma to connect with these expressions, offering them a space for reflection, validation, and perhaps even healing.”
It was essential for Harp to involve the college community so they could play an active role in this project. Several departments at Butler have contributed their time, research, insights and resources to bring this exhibit to life, and Harp is grateful for their support. His hope is that everyone who experiences this exhibit will walk away with greater knowledge, a sense of healing from their past trauma and the ability to reflect on their experiences without feeling weighed down by them.
“So far, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Harp said. “Several staff members have expressed how proud they are of Butler for hosting such an important exhibit, especially with the added elements of art, poetry and personal stories. From the participants who have submitted pieces, there has been a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share their experiences and creations with the community. Some of these stories have never been shared before, and that is a huge step for these individuals. I am incredibly proud of them and deeply grateful for their courage to inspire others with their words.”
Many people who have experienced sexual abuse often feel dirty, degraded and down. To help shift those feelings and begin moving past the emotional weight of the abuse, Harp said it’s important to focus on the future—on moving forward. It's about thinking ahead, about the things that bring joy, and about rediscovering the beauty in the world. It's important to know that you are not at fault, and it was never your fault, he said. This is something Harp thought long and hard about, as it's important to make the space accessible for everyone who wishes to participate, whether by experiencing the exhibit or contributing to it. At the same time, he wanted to ensure that those who might be triggered by certain content have the option to avoid it. Trigger warning signs are posted at both ends of the hallway, allowing individuals to take an alternate route if they wish.
For those who submitted their art, poems, stories and other pieces, Harp sent them a list of questions about how they wanted their work to be displayed. Each piece has an information card next to it, including the title (if there is one), the artist's name (if they chose to display it), the medium or type of piece, and a description (either provided by the artist or one he has written with their input). He is committed to sharing only the details that the artist is comfortable with, ensuring that no personal information is disclosed without their consent.
“I think Butler’s decision to host this exhibit annually is a great example of how we can continue raising awareness about sexual assault and supporting victims,” Harp said. “Expanding the exhibit to include art, poems, stories and other forms of expression is a wonderful step forward in providing a platform for victims to share their voices. It creates a safe space for them to express themselves, and in doing so, it impacts others in a positive way while also educating the community.”
“I understand that submitting your art, poem, story, or other creation can feel stressful or intimidating, but please remember that your story matters,” Harp adds. “Your words and your expression hold power. You never know, your piece might help someone else who’s struggling find the strength to come to terms with their experiences or even seek help. If you prefer to remain anonymous, that’s completely okay. You don’t have to have your name attached to your work. Just know that sharing your story is important, and that you are loved and supported throughout the process.”
“We also offer resources for anyone facing sexual assault or domestic violence,” Harp said.
Butler CC offers counseling services free of charge: Nany Hamm, a mental health therapist, can be contacted in two ways: (316) 322-3162 and nhamm2@butlercc.edu. Sherri Conard, a Title IX coordinator, can also be contacted by phone: (316) 323-6373 or by email: sconard@butlercc.edu
“I just want to emphasize that this exhibit is for everyone—whether they are a survivor, an ally, or someone looking to learn,” Harp said. “Sexual violence is a difficult topic, but silence allows it to persist. My hope is that this exhibit will break that silence, replace shame with support, and help create a culture of empathy and change.”