Karen Cook’s Stunning Photograph
Karen Cook, a local artist and photographer, captured Barb’s Bench in Stronach Park in a touching scene. The adverse weather on a spring day, the bench empty and the lens peering through the leaves of a nearby bush.
The photograph, The Purple Bench, is nothing short of stunning, as it demonstrates effortless grace in the face of adversity and grief.
Support Silent Witness by Purchasing ‘The Purple Bench’
Karen Cook has graciously pledged to donate all proceeds of the sales of this image to Silent Witness Nova Scotia. We are forever grateful for her helping us raise awareness of violence against women in Nova Scotia.
The money raised will be used to help communities place more purple Barb’s Benches and help us in our initiatives to raise awareness of, and help prevent, intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia.
You can purchase the photograph through this link in the form of wall art, a mug and more: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-purple-bench-karen-cook.html
Your support is appreciated!
Stronach Park Barb’s Bench
Stronach Park is a beautiful space in Kingston, Nova scotia where locals and visitors alike enjoy it’s picturesque trail and well maintained grounds including a pond.
Overlooking the pond is one of Barb’s Benches. A purple bench placed in memory of Barbara Baillie and other victims of murder at the hands of their partners in Nova Scotia.
On this bench, and all Barb’s Benches, there is a plaque with a 24/7 toll free number for victims of domestic violence to use while in crisis: 1 855 225 0220
Barb’s Benches have even more of a special meaning while Nova Scotia mourns the deaths of 22 people who were killed in the mass shooting on April 18th and 19th of this year. The shooter was actively engaged in violence against women before and during the massacre.
In addition, women living in abusive situations find themselves more in danger as a result of quarantining for COVID-19. (there is help)
COVID-19 has compounded the grief and anxiety our province is facing, while we keep our physical distance from others and lose even more loved ones to the pandemic.