If These Walls Could Talk

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If These Walls Could Talk - NBVC Art Display | October | FFSC, Port Hueneme

Call to Artists: “If These Walls Could Talk”

Throughout October, Fleet & Family will host an art exhibit honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In every command and in every community, there are stories that remain untold and realities that are hidden behind closed doors. We invite you to create a work of art for a profound display themed “If These Walls Could Talk” in the FFSC lobby that confronts the difficult realities of intimate partner violence. This is an opportunity to move beyond simple awareness ribbons and explore the raw, complex, and often hidden truths of the experience. Your art can be your voice or maybe even someone else’s.

This is your story to tell, whether it is personal, observed, or a symbolic representation. We encourage you to create a piece, in any medium, that explores themes such as:

• The feeling of isolation when home is not safe. • The contrast between a public-facing life and a private reality • The silent struggle and the courage it takes to survive • The invisible wounds that last long after physical ones have healed • The slow erosion of self-worth or the feeling of being controlled • The first, difficult step towards seeking help or finding freedom.• The feeling of constantly walking on eggshells • The Feeling of control and manipulation

This call is open to all members of our Navy community. Your unique perspective is invaluable, whether you are in uniform, a civilian colleague, or a spouse. Your voice matters and we ask that you help us "Stand the Watch" against domestic violence.

Submission Guidelines

Exhibit Theme: If These Walls Could Talk

Medium Any media type is welcome. This includes but is not limited to: Paintings & Drawings, Photography & Digital Art,  Mixed Media, Poetry. No nude images or profanity will be accepted. Art will be displayed during the month of October in the FFSC lobby.

Anonymity: Artists may choose to submit their work anonymously. Your privacy, safety, and comfort are our top priorities. Your story is the focus, not your name.

Registration Deadline June 1, 2026.
Please confirm your participation by calling the FFSC Port Hueneme front desk at 805-982-5037. You may also email us HERE.

All completed works must be submitted by September 1, 2026
Artwork can be delivered to the front desk at the Port Hueneme FFSC, building 1169 or the Mugu FFSC, Building 225.

Command Competition

There is a request for at least one piece of art to be donated by each command. Art will be judged by Command and Installation Leadership.

Awards & Recognition:

  • Command Award: An award will be provided to the command with the highest level of participation.
  • Impact Award: An award for the most impactful entry amongst the commands.
  • Civilian Award: An award will be provided to a civilian for the most impactful entry.

Your Art Has a Mission - Your art has the power to break silence. It can validate the experience of another shipmate, empower a stranger to seek help, and remind our entire community that we all share the duty to Stand Watch and protect one another.

Page updated April 8