Mahomet Photographer Offers Free Portraits for Domestic Abuse Survivors

Emily Donohoe's 'Through Purple Eyes' initiative aims to honor survivors' resilience through collaborative art.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Emily Donohoe, the owner of Pixels Studio in Mahomet, Illinois, has launched a new initiative called 'Through Purple Eyes' where she provides free portrait sessions and custom canvases for survivors of domestic abuse. Donohoe said the goal is to give survivors a platform to share their personal stories and start important conversations around domestic violence.

Why it matters

Domestic abuse can have long-lasting impacts on survivors, both physically and emotionally. Donohoe's initiative provides a unique way for survivors to process their trauma and find healing through the creative arts, while also raising awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in the community.

The details

Through the 'Through Purple Eyes' program, Donohoe meets one-on-one with survivors, listens to their stories, and then creates a custom canvas artwork that aims to capture their resilience, strength, and courage. The final artworks will be featured in a future exhibit, with the survivors' identities kept confidential.

  • Donohoe launched the 'Through Purple Eyes' initiative in early 2026.
  • Donohoe plans to host an exhibit featuring the survivor artworks sometime in 2027.

The players

Emily Donohoe

The owner of Pixels Studio in Mahomet, Illinois, who has started the 'Through Purple Eyes' initiative to provide free portrait sessions and custom artworks for survivors of domestic abuse.

Pixels Studio

A photography studio in Mahomet, Illinois, owned by Emily Donohoe, that is hosting the 'Through Purple Eyes' program for domestic abuse survivors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think this will give people who have been through that journey a platform, along with other people by their side that have been through the same or similar journeys, and start a conversation.”

— Emily Donohoe, Owner, Pixels Studio

What’s next

Donohoe plans to host an exhibit featuring the survivor artworks created through the 'Through Purple Eyes' program sometime in 2027.

The takeaway

Donohoe's initiative provides a meaningful way for domestic abuse survivors to process their trauma and find healing through collaborative artistic expression, while also raising awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in the local community.