“THE PINK BOW PROJECT”

This large-scale multimedia installation is designed to envelop its audience. Upon entering the space, visitors encounter over 50 sheer panels suspended from the ceiling like translucent curtains. Massive in scale, each 9' x 4' panel holds 1,000 pink bows—a familiar symbol of childhood innocence. Collectively, the installation contains more than 50,000 bows, representing the number of substantiated cases of childhood sexual abuse reported annually in the United States. While no statistic can fully capture the scope of abuse or account for the countless individuals who never disclose their experiences, the work offers a powerful visual representation of an issue that too often remains hidden.

As visitors move through the installation, navigating the suspended panels like a labyrinth, an audio component draws them deeper into the experience. A chorus of voices emerges from the space. One by one, survivors step forward to share their names and the age at which their abuse occurred before fading back into the collective soundscape as another voice begins. Together, these individual stories form a powerful testament to the prevalence of abuse while honoring the courage of those who choose to speak their truth.

Karen Hawkins invites you to experience the return of The Pink Bow Project on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at Karen Hawkins Studio in Austin, Texas. Admission to the opening reception will be offered through donation-based ticketing, with all proceeds directly benefiting The Pink Bow Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness around childhood sexual abuse through art, advocacy, and community engagement. Your support will help expand the project's reach, support future exhibitions, and further its mission of transforming silence into dialogue, awareness, and action.

KAREN HAWKINS STUDIO

900 E 3rd Street. Austin, Texas 78702

OPENING RECEPTION: November 5th, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

EXHIBITION ON VIEW: November 5th 2026 - January 1st 2027, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY