This exhibition is a journey through the resolution of childhood trauma. In working with a counsellor on this trauma Karlie has begun to use art to tell her story, in a powerful, personal way.

One of the key aspects of Karlie's story is to reveal the code of silence that enveloped the whole community. So many people saw that something was wrong in that house, but no one asked or looked further. Teachers, police officers, lawyers, the social worker that became her alcoholic mother's drinking buddy...like the cast of "an inspector calls", they all played part in a decade of abuse.

Karlie wants this exhibition to encourage people to look at children around them, to see and have the courage to ask and keeping asking if they are okay. Abuse continues when people no one speaks.

Most pieces are the story of an event, told through a familiar innocent childhood doll. Whimsey to hide the darkness...the innocent child that people saw and the dark aura that they ignored.

Karlie is a self taught artist. She has been producing art all her life. She has a passion for helping others discover their talents and has held art classes in schools and has annual craft days with children around the area for around 20 years.

Sponsored by Gate Pā New World this exhibition launch event is on Friday 16 May - 5.30pm at The Incubator Creative Hub in The Historic Village, Tauranga.

On display at The Peoples Gallery – Toi Ka Rere from May 17 to June 7, 10am – 3pm.