The public is invited to participate in an art installation coming to Grand Valley State University to denounce violence against women.

GVSU says Mexican artist Elina Chauvet is inviting all to participate by adding a pair of red shoes with a message to honor a victim of violence or trafficking.

Chauvet brings the "Red Shoe Project - Zapatos Rojos" to GVSU on Saturday, October 21, from 11am - 6pm in the DeVos Center courtyard at 401 West Fulton St.

Participants will place a pair of painted red shoes at the venue, then Chauvet will invite people to write messages that honor women who were injured or killed due to violence or kidnapped for trafficking.

Chauvet's first "Red Shoes" installation was in 2009 in Juárez, Mexico, to raise awareness of the number of women and girls who went missing. The project has since been in six locations in Mexico, Texas and Italy.

Chauvet will also be at two panel discussions about violence against women:

  • October 23, 7pm - 9pm at DeVos Center, Loosemore Auditorium.
  • October 24, 7pm - 9pm at Catholic Information Center, 360 Division Ave. in Grand Rapids. This panel will be in Spanish.

More From 100.5 FM The River