In November of 2005, Shannon Moroney’s life changed drastically. A respected educator, proud homeowner, active volunteer and happy newlywed, her world was shattered when a police officer informed her that her then-husband Jason had confessed to the violent sexual assault and kidnapping of two women in her home. In the years to follow, Moroney processed her own victimization while discovering what it meant to be a partner to a person who had offended sexually.
At the suggestion of one of her supporters, she began to process her journey through artwork. This artwork now functions as a tribute to this journey and speaks loudly to the human capacity for resilience.
The MSCU Centre for Peace Advancement at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario has partnered with Shannon Moroney to display “Exploring Resilience through the artwork of Shannon Moroney.” This exhibit is an invitation to think about the role of resilience in advancing peace, as well as the ways in which we can build resilience as individuals and communities.
“Resilience is not a character trait; it’s not something you’re born with or not,” explained Moroney. “It’s a skill-set that we can all develop.”
To celebrate this honest, dynamic artwork, on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM, the community is invited to a reception where Shannon Moroney will say a few words about her work. Executive Director of Community Justice Initiatives (CJI), Chris Cowie, will also reflect on the role of resilience in his restorative justice work at the reception. CJI is known globally as pioneers of Restorative Justice practices.
This exhibit will overlap with Restorative Justice Week 2015 (November 15-22) and is intended as another moment for the restorative justice community to come together to celebrate their work.
Shannon Moroney is the author of the bestselling memoir, Through the Glass (Doubleday Canada, 2011), which chronicles her journey following the violent crimes and incarceration of her husband. Today, Shannon lives in Toronto where she is remarried and the mother of two-year-old twin girls. Learn more about Shannon by reading Through the Glass or by listening to her recent interviews on CBC’s The Current.
The MSCU Centre for Peace Advancement is located at Conrad Grebel University College on the University of Waterloo campus. The Centre recognizes the value of collaborative, inter-disciplinary, and multi-sector approaches to the advancement of peace. Our 6,000 square feet of space is occupied by a range of peace scholars from the University of Waterloo, as well as practitioners from local peace building organizations. Through forging opportunities for collaboration in the form of research, training and/or community engagement, the Centre works to advance peace along with academics and practitioners from the University of Waterloo and beyond.
Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8:30 am - 10:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
UNTIL DECEMBER 18, 2015
Free admission
Join us for an exhibit reception on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Grebel Gallery.
Michelle Jackett
Coordinator, MSCU Centre for Peace Advancement
Conrad Grebel University College
140 Westmount Road, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G6
michelle.jackett@uwaterloo.ca | 519-885-0220 x24221