Good Taste / January 2007
Photovoice Speaks Volumes
“Photovoice,” a selection of engaging photographs and essays that reflect the life of fifteen women from Cabin Creek, West Virginia is being exhibited at the Open-Ended Gallery of Showcase West Virginia in Charleston through January 10, 2007.
The women photographers from Cabin Creek, from age 14 to 69, explored their community’s beauty, history, strength and potential for a year. Their views ranged from the family dinner table to the abandoned coal facilities. They met each month to edit images and discuss their community concerns. The work, funded by Cabin Creek Heath Systems, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation and Canaan Valley Institute, empowered the women. They have since lobbied for legislation and created fund raising projects for community improvements.
Showcase West Virginia will offer reproductions of the “Photovoice” images on note-cards and in various sizes. Proceeds from the sale of the pictures will contribute to Cabin Creek community development and also help underwrite the gallery space.
Owned and operated by The Center for Economic Options, the Open-Ended Gallery provides gallery exposure and access to the market for creative and visionary people whose work might not be seen otherwise. Pam Curry, Executive Director, says, “We know there are exceptional artists from all walks of life who deserve to have their works seen. We also know there are many people in the area interested in supporting art of all types-and purchasing it.”
“Photovoice” is the debut exhibition for the gallery. Pam says, “When we were looking for the first exhibit for the Open-Ended Gallery’s grand opening, the “Photovoice” project was a natural choice.”
The gallery is located on the mezzanine level of Showcase West Virginia, 906 Quarrier Street in downtown Charleston. Gallery hours are 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 am-4:00 pm on Saturdays. During the holidays, through Dec. 23, hours expand from 10 am. to 7 pm, Monday to Friday and 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday.
In addition to the exhibition, the visitors can browse Showcase West Virginia the hand-crafted artisan items and gifts that give the flavor and style of the beautiful mountain state. Many of the unique arts, crafts, wood items, glass, pottery, wall hangings, specialty foods, books, music and jewelry and photography are one-of-a-kind. Through Showcase West Virginia, shoppers can choose local over global, hand made over mass-made, sustainable over exploitative and quality over commodity. Plus, Pam says, “Because this is a social purpose enterprise of the Center for Economic Options, with every purchase you’re helping to support our locally-owned businesses.”
For more information, call 304-342-8527 or visit showcasewv.com or email info@economicoptions.org.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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