College of Eastern Idaho Hosts Clothesline Project
The annual three-day display features decorated shirts to raise awareness regarding domestic violence and abuse.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy
The College of Eastern Idaho recently completed its sixth annual Clothesline Project, an event featuring shirts decorated with personal messages and artwork. The display provides a dedicated space for remembrance, expression, and conversation about violence.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to raise public awareness about the realities of domestic violence and abuse. By utilizing visual art, the event encourages community members to engage in necessary dialogue regarding these serious social issues.
This year marked the sixth annual iteration of the project at the college. The original debut in Hyannis, Massachusetts, in 1990 featured 31 shirts, each color-coded to signify specific types of violence.
The players
College of Eastern Idaho
This is a public community college that serves the residents of eastern Idaho by providing higher education and community programs.
The details
Visitors to the Idaho Falls campus were invited to create their own shirts and view the collective display over three days. A community lunch and program were held on the second day to further facilitate discussion and education.
Timeline
October 1990: The original Clothesline Project debut occurred in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
October 20, 2026: The project began at the College of Eastern Idaho.
October 21, 2026: A community lunch and program were hosted.
October 22, 2026: The three-day event concluded.
Market Landscape
The 1990 Clothesline Project in Hyannis, Massachusetts established a model for community-based art displays that remains a standard in domestic violence awareness campaigns today. The current Idaho Falls event follows the pattern of outreach and remembrance established by that original debut.
The project invites residents to engage directly with the issue of domestic violence through personal expression and observation. Attendees are encouraged to participate in these community dialogues to help foster a safer local environment.
The takeaway
Communities can effectively use visual art to break the silence surrounding abuse and domestic violence. Implementing similar displays allows individuals to share personal stories while strengthening local support networks.
Further reading
Learn more about community support efforts in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Idaho Press.
