Human Rights Art Exhibition in Washington, D.C. Draws Over 100 Visitors

The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office collaborated with Youth for Human Rights International's Washington, D.C. chapter and Art Impact International to present a human rights art exhibition that attracted more than 100 visitors. The "United for Human Rights" pop-up exhibit occurred at the historic Fraser Mansion in Dupont Circle as part of the monthly First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle program, featuring artistic expressions dedicated to human rights themes.

Seven distinguished artists participated in the exhibition, displaying diverse works including portraits of famous human rights activists, landscapes, abstract pieces, layered artwork, batik art, and wax on glass creations. Artists Carolyn Goodridge, E. J. Lee, P.J.P. Martin, Sharon Robinson, Patrick Smith, and J. Thomas Wells attended the event in person, discussing their work and the human rights concepts that inspired them. Artwork by Hubert Jackson was also displayed and discussed by Carolyn Goodridge during the exhibition.

Azhar Haq, Executive Director of Youth for Human Rights International's D.C. chapter, emphasized the unique power of art in human rights advocacy during the event. "Art speaks where words can't fully communicate the same concepts," Haq stated. "As we enter the holiday season, peace is even more meaningful. Art brings people of all different beliefs and cultures together to appreciate something beautiful."

Beyond the visual art display, the event provided free educational materials on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to attendees, distributed by Youth for Human Rights International. The organization's mission focuses on promoting human rights awareness and advocacy through creative expression. These educational resources about the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights remain available free at https://www.youthforhumanrights.org, while additional information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/YHRDC.

The exhibition occurred within the framework of Art Walk Dupont, a recurring cultural program that brings free art exhibits to galleries, embassies, and cultural centers throughout the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood. This monthly event provides ongoing opportunities for community engagement with diverse artistic expressions while supporting cultural exchange and dialogue around important social issues through the universal language of art. The partnership between advocacy organizations demonstrates how creative platforms can serve as effective tools for raising awareness about fundamental human rights principles, reaching broader audiences through accessible cultural programming.