Chicago’s Art and Beer Scene

Chicago Joins Roses Against Violence

I bet most women have experienced violence at some point in their life, verbal or physical, or at least know someone who has. I am no exception. This is why I became involved with the Roses Against Violence project. I like that it’s presented in a beautiful, artistic way using crocheted roses. I commend founders Claudia Grünzweig, Barbara Connert-McDonaugh, and Isabella Reinwald for bringing awareness to this challenging epidemic.

Project background

Roses Against Violence was established in 2018 in honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In 2019, the nonprofit organization became a registered association. The project involves placing purple roses with their logo attached in public spaces, preferably areas with high visibility.

Socially, Roses Against Violence started on Facebook and joined Instagram during the COVID lockdown (how I found them). The movement began in Austria and continues to flourish globally, including new partners who are helping spread the word about the project.

Chicago joined the movement

I wanted to get involved locally, so I asked Valerie Sherman (my favorite yarn bomber) if she knew of any roses already in place. Valerie shared that Ann Cibulskis had made some. I contacted Ann, who told me she placed one outside of the Harold Washington Library with more to come. Thank you, Ann!

Located on the Plymouth Court side of the library

Valerie chose two high-traffic areas for her roses, Buckingham Fountain and the Bean. Valerie’s husband printed tags to go with the roses, offering up the extras to anyone wishing to participate. Several people contacted Valerie requesting the pattern and some tags to create their own. Thank you, Valerie!

Located at the south end of the plaza at Buckingham Fountain

Located on the east side of the plaza at the Bean

Learn to make your own rose

If you would like to participate and need assistance crocheting a rose, check out this video. I hope to learn to make my own soon!

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Please join the movement and spread the word. Don’t forget to use the hashtag when sharing on social media. Let’s keep this going and take a stand to end violence against women.

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