MAK. RAINN. These acronyms spell HOPE.

Bright colors contrasting with dark backdrops permeate the work of Marie Kavadias, a Chicago artist. MAK is her mark, the final touch of deliberate strokes painting themselves into pictures, emoting feelings that words cannot describe in works such as “Child In The City,” “Swirl Therapy,” “Trying To Reach Beyond The Sunflowers,” and “Connections.” Her symbols and her visions are her deepest, truest forms of communication. Like the labyrinth of lines and blocks in her piece “Connections,” Marie’s path led her to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Bringing experiences of hurt, fear and frustration into the light are common themes in the art of MAK and the work of RAINN.

Embarking on a journey to bring an idea into reality, Marie has created a line of greeting cards with a percentage of the proceeds to benefit RAINN. “The artwork fits for what we stand for and hope to accomplish,” says Kelley Bevis, RAINN Outreach Coordinator. The cards will be used to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month. On board in support of RAINN and Marie’s artwork are several Borders Books and Music stores including Chicago’s Lincoln Park - Clark and Diversey, Orland Park, Bolingbrook, Geneva, LaGrange, Naperville, Oakbrook, DeKalb, Matteson, St. Charles, Schaumburg, Wheaton and Highland, IN. During special events these stores will showcase Marie’s greeting cards, provide the public access to RAINN’s educational materials and display a range of topical books. Marie stated, “We would like to try and make this a national and recurring event to raise awareness.”

On Oct. 10, 2003, the Naperville will hold a “Meet and Greet the artist” which will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The café area will become a gallery with selections of Marie’s 16x20 prints hung on display. Additional plans are being made for the artist’s work to be shown at other Borders locations.

Connecting with her artistic talents at an early age, Marie remembers making “little drawings” as something she could do as young as three years old. Growing up in Lemont, Illinois and later moving to Chicago has given Marie a well-rounded environment to express herself in and respond to. She has exhibited at various locations throughout Chicago land, including Judy A Saslow Gallery in Chicago and the Chicago Cultural Center as well as locations nationally.

Helping individuals since its founding in 1994, RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization, created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. RAINN also publicizes the hotline's free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. With a national perspective and broad reach, RAINN also serves as a trusted resource for media, policymakers and the public. Through close cooperation with national and local media, public service ads, curriculum programs and one-on-one outreach, RAINN provides vital education about sexual assault prevention, prosecution and recovery to more than 120 million Americans a year.

When RAINN’s communications director put Marie in touch with its outreach coordinator their collaborative journey began. Reflected in her vibrant work is Marie’s resilient outlook on life. A humble attitude towards her work represents this gifted talent. She considers it to be vital self-expression and a means for emotional survival rather than art. Led by her vision to utilize her artwork for the benefit others, Marie created a bond with RAINN — a bond of HOPE.

To reach the artist, send an e-mail to makntsh@wt.net. Check out more details about RAINN at www.rainn.org.