Special Event | October 2023

The Clothesline Exhibit

Intermittent exhibit

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 21, 5 - 7 pm
Exhibit on view October 20 - 22, 2023

We invite you to join us for a very special exhibit opening, which will illuminate the personal and poignant expressions of survivors and loved ones who have been impacted by domestic violence. In collaboration with Grace Smith House and Rhinebeck Bank, we will be collecting and disbursing donations to provide essential support to those in need. Your presence and contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this critical issue.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Poughkeepsie, NY (October 11, 2023) – Betsy Jacaruso Gallery and Rhinebeck Bank are partnering in support of Grace Smith House’s 2023 Clothesline Project, a powerful visual display of t-shirts decorated by survivors of domestic violence or their loved ones.

A nationwide movement, The Clothesline Project aims to increase awareness about domestic and sexual violence, something particularly impactful during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For 42 years, Grace Smith House has provided victims of domestic violence with several critical services, including crisis intervention and information, 24/7 emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, support groups and much more.

Grace Smith House will host a Clothesline Project exhibition at the Betsy Jacaruso Gallery, Rhinebeck Courtyard, 43 East Market Street #2, Rhinebeck, from October 20th – 22nd with an opening reception and donation collection on Saturday, October 21st, 5-7pm. Rhinebeck Bank will continue to collect monetary donations (cash or check) and personal hygiene products in support of Grace Smith House between Monday, October 23rd and Friday, November 3rd at its 6414 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck branch. (Please visit Grace Smith House’s website at https://www.gracesmithhouse.org/how-to-help/donate-items.html for a comprehensive list of items they need for their in-house pantry.)

Betsy Jacaruso Gallery will donate a portion of proceeds from any artwork sales Oct 20 - 22 to Grace Smith House. Betsy Jacaruso, gallery owner and artist says, "I have been wanting to work with Grace Smith House for a long time, and I am fortunate to be able to give the Clothesline Project visibility in Rhinebeck." Jacaruso adds, "I hope our community will come out to support those affected by domestic violence in whatever way they can."

“We’re so grateful to have this opportunity to support our friends at Grace Smith House,” said Sharon Whiteley, assistant vice president and branch manager at the Bank’s Rhinebeck location and Grace Smith House board member. “The Clothesline Project is a truly powerful display – one that helps those impacted in their healing process, while also educating and making our community more aware of the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence problems happening around us.”

Betsy Jacaruso Gallery is located in the Rhinebeck Courtyard, 43-2 East Market Street, Rhinebeck NY, and gallery hours for viewing are Friday & Saturday 11 am - 5 pm, Sunday 11 am - 4 pm, and by appointment (email info@betsyjacaruso.com). Follow @betsyjacarusogallery on Instagram for more updates. For more information, please visit betsyjacaruso.com/exhibit

For details regarding donations at Rhinebeck Bank, please see Sharon Whiteley at the Bank’s Rhinebeck branch during regular business hours. Additional information about the Clothesline Project is available on the Grace Smith House website at https://www.gracesmithhouse.org/news-events/clothesline-project.html.

PRESS RELEASE PDF

GRACE SMITH HOUSE MISSION

To enable individuals and families to live free from domestic violence by:

Providing shelter, advocacy, counseling, and education
Raising the consciousness of the community regarding the extent, type and seriousness of domestic violence
Initiating and taking positions on public policies in order to provide options which empower victims of domestic violence