Yesterday, April 28, 2015 at 6:30p.m. Mercy Hospital, Bella Vista presented the Faces of Freedom art exhibit. Mercy Executive Director of Communications, Martine Pollard welcomed guests to view the gripping portraits of women who are victims of human trafficking. This art exhibit is part of the Freedom 58 Project started by Libby and Rob Swenson. Freedom 58 Project is an initiative to bring awareness to the general public about human trafficking around the world and at home. The mission is to “use art to give dignity to former slaves and victims of violent oppression and build awareness of the massive problem of human trafficking.” Freedom 58 Project is a nonprofit dedicated to igniting faith based movements to mobilize university students, faculty and communities to help end injustice of modern day slavery and other forms of violent oppression. Jenny Sorey, the Northwest Arkansas Representative from Partners Against Trafficking Humans (P.A.T.H) was also present to bring awareness to  human trafficking in Arkansas. Sister Anita DeSalvo gave a concluding reflection. 

Jenny Sorey, Libby Swenson, Robert Swenson, Lauren Davenport 1

(from left: Jenny Sorey of P.A.T.H., Libby and Robert Swenson founders of Freedom 58 Project, Lauren Davenport-Intern at Freedom 58 Project)

John Halstead and Martine Pollard

(from left: John Halstead and Marine Pollard of Mercy)

For more information on Freedom 58 Project visit www.freedom58project.com.