Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Chagrin New Faces Exhibit

Photos by Michael Steinberg

Valley Art Center Show on Homeless


The Valley Art Center in Chagrin Falls Ohio is hosting an exhibit focusing on homelessness. “The Celebration of Diversity: The New Face of Homelessness” runs from February 12-March 17, 2011. It is free and open to the public. NEOCH provided the gallery with our movable wall and some photos by homeless artist who took a photography class that NEOCH orchestrated. Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries which operates 2100 Lakeside Men’s Shelter also provided photos with brief narratives that hung below the photo of the individual.

I had the pleasure of going to the event on its opening night. On the opening night they collected scarfs, hats and gloves that will go to the homeless. It is a moving exhibit, that showcases the challenges of living in shelter as well as the relationships and activities that help a person get through life in shelter. For example there is a photo of a young man in his late teens with a chicken resting on his arm. He discussed how he developed a friendship with the chicken who hangs around the shelter he resides at. Another example is a photo of an older gentleman his narrative simple read “I’m alive.”

The Movable Wall is a photo exhibit paid by the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture Fund that features photos taken by homeless people, and gives a unique perspective on homelessness. The Movable Wall has traveled to churches, gallerias and schools for the past two years.

The Valley Art Center is located on 155 Bell Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. The gallery hour: Mon-Fri 10-4 Sat. 10-2. www.valleyartcenter.org

by Holly Lyon
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