Boudoir photography exhibit in Pilsen aims to empower domestic violence survivors

CHICAGO - An upcoming art exhibit will place boudoir photography on full display at a Pilsen gallery – and it's all for a good cause. 

The purpose behind Purple Boudoir, a fine art boudoir photography studio in the West Loop, is to empower survivors of domestic violence. 

This weekend, Purple Boudoir will host its first-ever boudoir art show at NYCH Art Gallery. There, empowerment, safety, and self-expression will be celebrated. 

At the same time, the event aims to raise money and awareness for domestic violence survivors. It will be held on Sunday, January 28 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  

The goal behind Sunday's event hits close to home, not only for the featured clients, but also those working behind the scenes.

"The objective is to build a community," said Jacob Miller, founder of Purple Boudoir. "It feels really good to help people feel good about themselves."

Behind the lens, each shot that Miller takes serves a purpose.

He founded Purple Boudoir with a social mission in mind – to end domestic violence.

As Miller reveals, it carries deep meaning after growing up with an abusive father.

"I'm still trying to rescue my mom and I from the 1970s, and by inference all women, all moms, so the word ‘safe’ means a lot to someone that's survived an abusive home," said Miller. 

His clients are no strangers to the cause either.

"We were really excited to do this for ourselves, but we were also really excited to help other women who are in situations that unfortunately we are familiar with," said Krista Lepore.

Lepore and Alysha Humeniak, who will be featured in the upcoming exhibit, are also survivors.

"It’s very important to me that the WINGS mission gets recognition for what they’re doing for families and for women because we know that it’s very difficult when you’re in that situation to look for help," said Humeniak. "Ultimately, remember that it’s not your fault. That’s the most important thing."

Proceeds from Sunday’s event will benefit WINGS Program, Inc. – a local nonprofit and the largest domestic violence service provider in Illinois.

"I think the more people who are willing to talk about what they’ve gone through and get the message out, the more we can make progress toward eliminating or lessening domestic violence," said Lepore.

A spokesperson for WINGS Program, Inc. shared this statement with FOX 32 Chicago in response to Sunday’s event: 

"We are grateful to Purple Boudoir for not only bringing awareness about WINGS Program and domestic violence, but for hosting this generous fundraiser. Empowerment is key to the work we do with survivors. Funds raised can provide housing, counseling, mentoring, and children services to resilient survivors, which ultimately breaks the cycle of violence."

Last year alone, WINGS served more than 1,200 survivors with a continuum of services. 

To secure tickets for Purple Boudoir’s event on Sunday, follow this link.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can receive help and support by calling WINGS Program’s 24-hour hotline at 847-221-5680. Survivors interested in learning more about WINGS counseling services may call 847-519-7828.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).