“Stories of Strength” Website Creates Space for Survivors of Domestic Violence to Heal and Find Connection
Partners + Napier partners with artist Sarah Rutherford to launch digital experience for Survivor empowerment
Partners + Napier, a leading full service creative and media agency, partnered with interdisciplinary artist and educator Sarah Rutherford to create an online experience for the “Stories of Strength” project. The partnership allows visitors to delve deeper into the stories behind the healing journeys that shape Sarah’s powerful art.
“Survivor stories are often focused on the height of trauma rather than the experience of healing,” said Sarah Rutherford, artist and educator leading “Stories of Strength.” “The goal of this website is to create a place that feels empowering for Survivors and helps people at various points in their journey find the resources and support to know they are not alone.”
Recognizing that stories of domestic violence are deeply personal and emotional to both share and witness, the “Stories of Strength” website offers multiple entry points for each Survivor’s journey, including explorations on survivor identity, their lived experiences, words of care, affirmations, and more, so visitors can find the content that will be most helpful for their own healing.
“Stories of Strength” started with a large-scale public mural acting as a monument for Survivors of Domestic Violence, and has since expanded to focus on broadening understanding and awareness of Survivors' experiences. In October 2024, the initiative culminated in an exhibition at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) City Art Space, situated within walking distance of the original mural. The exhibition includes audio recordings of Survivor testimonies of healing, layered drawings of Survivors’ hands, and an immersive installation delving into themes of disenfranchised grief, witnessing and storytelling as tools for personal and collective empowerment.
“This work is about the power of art and storytelling coming together to make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Rob Kottkamp, Chief Creative Officer at Partners + Napier. “When Sarah came to us for creative support, we jumped at the opportunity to help. It’s been an absolute honor to support this work by creating a vehicle for Survivor stories to live on.”
“Stories of Strength” is the result of a collaboration between artist Sarah C. Rutherford and Willow Domestic Violence Center. Partners + Napier is proud to be a pro bono contributor of creative services.
About Sarah Rutherford
Sarah C. Rutherford is a muralist, educator, and interdisciplinary artist based in Rochester, NY, with an MFA from the University of New Mexico. She has gained recognition both nationally and internationally for her large-scale public murals, which are crafted in close collaboration with the communities and individuals they represent.
Over the past 15 years, Sarah has co-founded THE YARDS Collaborative Art Space and the Roc Paint Division Youth Employment Program. Both are initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of emerging artists. Her project, “Her Voice Carries,” is a public art endeavor that celebrates local women who amplify the voices around them.
