I realize I've never done anything like this before on my blog but I thought I'd give it a shot. I've been helping out a little with this photography exhibition (Prints of Peace) that's coming up in April. The Prop and the International Guild of Visual Peacemakers are hosting the exhibition in an effort to highlight and bring awareness to inherent human beauty and dignity and the impact of visual media. You'll see on the Guild website that they're committed to being mindful of "the person and the picture" by researching/respecting documented cultures, valuing their subjects by interacting with and involving them, using discernment in their consideration of another's dignity and honor, inquiring about the impact of their images on others, etc. They are careful to give thought to the power of an image and how it is used to communicate something. The Guild is dedicated to truth-telling through visual media. That is to say, they seek to break down unhealthy, harmful, and destructive stereotypes by representing, to the best of their ability, the truth of a subject. Their desire is to show the "common humanity" of all people. Check out their website for more information and to see some past projects--beautiful work.
My connection to the project comes through the Prop, the partner organization that is helping host the event here in Chicago. Mariah's brother (and several of their friends) is a Prop "founder," you might say. The Prop is a project group dedicated to connecting artists to organizations effecting change around the world. I've had the chance to go to a few of their events and get-together's which have been really cool opportunities for meeting people, learning things, and dreaming a bit more pointedly about some of the things that I myself am concerned about as I think more of a "global responsibility" to living life and the ethics of living life in the world we're in (i.e., with visual media becoming so plentiful, constant, and interactive). I really look forward to this event in April. That being said, we're raising money to fund this event and we could really use your help. The fundraising campaign is being run through Kickstarter. You can access the site through the link and donate from there. Each of us is trying to get 10 friends/family to pledge $10 for the event. Please consider it!
And if you are able, please come!
The event will be held at the Artist Central Exchange located at 4866 N. Clark St. in Andersonville. The gallery will open Friday, April 15th at 6pm, and will continue Saturday, April 16th from 11-5pm. Tickets will be $15 Friday night and suggested donation of $10 on Saturday.
The objective of Prints of Peace is to create awareness that, as consumers of visual media, we can choose to interact with it responsibly and in a way that reflects the better parts of humanity. Mediums will involve storytelling through the photography and videography of IGVP members as well as local Chicago artists. The proceeds for the event will be split between the photographer(s) and IGVP. Check out www.the-prop.org to RSVP and for further information or email propteam@the-prop.org.
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