Art has the power to tell stories, spark conversations, and bring communities together. For Charlotte artist Meredith Connelly, art is also a tool for healing, advocacy, and transformation. A multidisciplinary artist known for her large-scale installations that explore the interplay of light, science, and technology, Meredith is also a survivor. Her lived experience fuels her passion for creating spaces where survivors feel seen, heard, and empowered. 

Her latest curated exhibit, Sovereign: Honoring Bodily Autonomy, currently on display at the McColl Center until April 12, is a bold and compassionate exploration of what it means to reclaim control over one's body and story. Through a diverse collection of works from artists across disciplines, the exhibit creates a space where difficult topics, like domestic and sexual violence, consent, and healing, are met with both vulnerability and strength. 

Meredith's journey as an artist has evolved over the years, bridging public art with community-centered initiatives. Her connection to Safe Alliance runs deep, stemming from her own experiences and a desire to ensure survivors have access to support. "A lot of times, when you go through something traumatic like sexual and domestic violence, there is a tendency to process it alone," Meredith shares. "It becomes hard to look at it again through the lens of an activist or community member. But art can change that. It creates a collective voice and space for healing." 

Sovereign follows Meredith's first exhibit, Unbound, which featured artwork by survivors of domestic and sexual violence. That project proved transformative, not only for the artists but also for the visitors. "I remember someone who attended felt so safe in the space that they wanted to share their story. They now volunteer at Safe Alliance," she recalls. 

Sovereign: Honoring Bodily Autonomy 

At its core, Sovereign is a celebration. The exhibit balances discomfort with power, joy, and creativity, highlighting the resilience of those who have reclaimed their autonomy. "Sovereign, by definition, is a state of complete control, where no one tells you what to do. I then specifically followed up with the word honor which is the greatest respect. It's all about honoring what is true for each of us," Meredith explains. 

The exhibit is unique in its approach. Meredith accepted proposals for new works, giving artists the opportunity to create pieces that reflect deeply individual experiences. "It was a vulnerable process," she says. "One artist, a new mother, explored bodily autonomy through motherhood. Another visualization of survivors processing the experience of feeling their body being taken. Every piece is powerful in its own way." 

A Conversation About Safety 

While discussions around bodily autonomy are often politicized, Sovereign takes a different approach. "Bodily autonomy is not just a policy issue. It is a human issue, a global issue," Meredith says. "It's really about safety. About building safety within our own bodies, in all aspects of our lives." 

Mainstream conversations about bodily autonomy in the context of domestic and sexual violence often overlook the long-term impact of trauma, systemic coercion, and the unique barriers faced by underserved communities. Survivors may experience forced dependency, medical neglect, legal obstacles, or institutional control over their bodies, issues that extend beyond the immediate violence and into lasting struggles for autonomy. Sovereign: Honoring Bodily Autonomy fills these gaps by bringing together diverse artistic perspectives that examine autonomy beyond survival. Through personal narratives, the exhibition sheds light on the many ways control is exerted, both seen and unseen, and how resilience emerges in response. 

More than an art exhibit, Sovereign is a space for learning, healing, and reflection. Whether visitors arrive as survivors, allies, or simply individuals seeking understanding, they are invited to engage with these deeply personal stories, challenge their perspectives, and leave with a greater awareness of the complexities surrounding bodily autonomy. 

Sovereign: Honoring Bodily Autonomy is currently on display until April 12, 2025. More information can be found here: https://mccollcenter.org/events/sovereign-bodies-movement-meditation  

Sovereign will be holding a final gathering on April 12th from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. The evening will begin with a live performance of Rite My Wild by Alyce Cristina Vallejo, followed by a panel discussion on bodily autonomy, advocacy, and art. The panel will be moderated by Katherine de Vos Devine and panelists will include, Doris Kapner, Sam Diggs Hunter, Kalin Devonne, Melina Lilly and Safe Alliance's Leanna Pai. To register, visit: https://mccollcenter.org/events/sovereign-honoring-bodily-autonomy