Artist Biography
Vivian Wholey is a Senior at Endicott College and expected to graduate Spring of 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture and a minor in Theater. In her time at Endicott, she has been an Orientation Leader since sophomore year, a Peer Notetaker, Marketing Director, and President of Spotlight Drama Club, and been in every Mainstage Theater production since freshman year. Her accomplishments include getting Dean’s List every semester and currently having a cumulative 3.98 GPA, being inducted into Kappa Pi International Art Honors Society, and being a nominee for a Senior Thesis Award. Other than interior architecture, Vivian has many other creative passions including acting, dancing, singing, and writing. After graduating, she hopes to continue pursuing both Interior Architecture and Theater. She would like to thank her family, friends, professors, and mentors for helping her succeed at Endicott to get where she is today.
Thesis Abstract
With more than ten percent of the female population of the United States reporting that they have been sexually assaulted, more than twenty-five percent reporting a case of domestic violence, and the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade, women are constantly facing an uphill battle to gain and maintain their basic human rights, lead a safe and empowered life, and just be themselves without fear. Additionally, as someone who has experienced sexual assault and comes forward about it, only to be told that I could have done more to stop it, I know what it is like to feel not heard, and if I can help it, I never want any other woman or female-identifying person to feel that way. Overall, women need help more than ever, especially those who have been sexually assaulted or experienced domestic abuse.
Despite this significant percentage of women in the United States who have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence, there is still little access to resources that both provide what they need to support and empower them and create a positive long-lasting impact on them and their mental health. Additionally, people still don’t know how to best engage with survivors in a way that will make them feel heard and supported, resulting in the survivors not getting the help they need and resorting to unhealthy coping behaviors. Thus, a new inclusive and universally designed healing center that emphasizes community, a safe space, education, and empowerment can not only attempt to teach the public about how to best help and support survivors as a means of prevention but allow recovering victims to heal from their traumas, regain their confidence, and empower them to take back control of their bodies and lives.
Portfolio Website: https://vivwholeyportfolio.wixsite.com/vividesigns