The Columbus Crossing Borders Project traveling art exhibit makes its return to Lakeland Community College for the month of January. This pop-up art exhibit and documentary film relating to the record high numbers of displaced persons across the globe is hosted in the Gallery at Lakeland on the college’s main campus, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, OH 44092.

The art exhibit, documentary film screenings and receptions are all free and open to the public.

Open through Jan. 25, the exhibit includes the works of 34 artists depicting stories shared by refugees,offering small windows into their personal struggles. As the exhibit moves from left to right, each painting contains an element that reaches into the painting beside it, allowing for the neighboring artist to cross the borders and enter each other’s paintings. Throughout the exhibit, as paintings and diversities flow in their combined efforts, what emerges is a bigger, more beautiful outcome resultingfrom a cooperative community.

A documentary film titled “Breathe Free,” also a part of The Columbus Crossing Borders Project, will be screened on campus Jan. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in room H-116. The film gives the audience an intimate look into the arduous journeys of refugees who are willing to share their stories. The film pays tribute to the resilience, strength of spirit and devotion that sustains those who have lived through such hardship.

Additionally, a reception and panel discussion will be held Jan. 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Jan. 25 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m. Each panel will include Laurie Van Balen, the creator the Columbus Crossing Borders Project, Lakeland students who originally arrived in the United States as refugees, and area professionals who work or volunteer with refugees.

“Columbus Crossing Borders isimportant for our campus because it isabout learning through art,” says Gloria Lane, manager of the women’s center at Lakeland. “Itisan interdisciplinary experience in understanding and compassion. Itisaboutrealizing that we have a shared humanityevenwith those whose experiences are completely different from our own.”

By: Adam Continenza, Marketing & Communications Specialist