A new art exhibit exploring American gun culture has opened at Crown Gallery at Metro Art Studios in Bridgeport.

The juried exhibition is called "In Our Hands." It's goal is to engage a broader audience through art, encourage communities to speak about gun violence and inspire positive action.

Artist Dale Najarian used her personal experience in her creation. 

"This is an actual replication of a family text that I had with my kids and husband, and it happened during a lockdown that my daughter had at her high school," she said.

There are also film screenings, panel discussions, poetry readings and artist talks. The exhibit runs until March 16.

Proceeds will go to Sandy Hook Promise and Street Safe Bridgeport.