First Friday at the Ware Center examines disability and gun violence through the arts

The Ware Center for the Arts at Millersville University presents We the People First Friday on March 6. The evening includes the multidisciplinary arts event "Unbound: Poetry, Presence, and the Art of Becoming" and the opening of the exhibit "Souls Shot Portrait Project: Portraits of Victims of Gun Violence."

Events are free and open to the public; no tickets are required for entry.

"Unbound: Poetry, Presence and the Art of Becoming"

At 6:30 p.m. in Steinman Hall, the Urban Well presents an evening of contemplative reflection and poetic performance exploring the intersection of disability, spirituality and the arts. Building on last year's "Encountering Disability" events at Millersville University, the program invites the community into an immersive space of listening and wonder. Featuring live poetry, visual art and guided contemplative practice, "Unbound" honors the legacy of poet and disability rights activist Vassar Miller (1924-1998) and other artists whose voices transcend limitation and invite deeper belonging.

"Souls Shot Portrait Project: Portraits of Victims of Gun Violence"

From 5 to 8 p.m. in the Regitz Gallery, a reception celebrates the opening of the exhibit "Souls Shot Portrait Project: Portraits of Victims of Gun Violence." The exhibit features works that honor and memorialize the lives of victims of gun violence, created by artists working together with their loved ones. By hearing stories and seeing photographs, videos and mementos, the artists get to know who the person was in their lifetime. The portraits they create are as diverse and unique as the souls they represent. The exhibit will be on display from March 6 through 27.