The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office partnered with Youth for Human Rights International's Washington, D.C. chapter and Art Impact International to present a human rights-focused art exhibition that attracted more than 100 visitors. The "United for Human Rights" pop-up exhibit took place at the historic Fraser Mansion in Dupont Circle as part of the monthly First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle program, showcasing 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, highlighted 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 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. This exhibition matters because it represents a tangible intersection of art and activism, demonstrating how creative mediums can make complex human rights concepts accessible and emotionally resonant to a broad public audience. By combining visual art with educational outreach, the event created a multi-sensory learning experience that potentially reaches individuals who might not engage with traditional human rights literature or lectures.
The collaboration between religious, educational, and artistic organizations suggests a growing recognition that human rights advocacy requires diverse approaches and partnerships. Such events help normalize human rights discourse within community spaces, moving it beyond academic or political arenas into public cultural venues. The timing during the holiday season, as noted by organizers, adds significance by connecting human rights themes to broader cultural conversations about peace and goodwill. This exhibition's importance extends beyond the immediate attendance numbers, serving as a model for how communities can leverage existing cultural infrastructure, like the established Art Walk Dupont program, to amplify social justice messages and foster inclusive dialogue across different belief systems and backgrounds.
