Tuesday, January 23, 2007

photo la

Thanks to our supporters new and old, Voices was a big success at photo la! An especially big thanks to Stephen Cohen and Artfairs, Inc. for giving us this invaluable opportunity and to Pro One for the printing and Finishing Concepts for the mounting.

Here are some of the responses:

"These images are amazing. I am currently attending Brooks Institute of Photography and it has always been my dream to visit Africa. These images bring an awesome realism to my eyes! Great work."

"Thanks so much for sharing your lives with us. The exhibit was an extremely eye opening experience. Thank you."

"I really enjoyed the work. It has a great message that everyone needs to hear. Let me know of future things."

"This is important work to see your community from a perspective that is from within rather than from an observer who is disconnected. These images and messages are invaluable."

"Good for all of you - God Bless!"

"Your pictures make my heart feel big!"

"this project is so fascinating. thank you for sharing your world with us. please continue to document and share your community."

"Keep creating...And keep singing your songs...Let your voices be heard far and wide."

"Thank you for sharing your world with us. You are beautiful and brave and your story must be heard."

"Keep telling your stories and sharing your pictures. We are listening."

"Very inspirational + beautiful!"

"This is important work. It shows a part of the world we seldom see. Voices brings a voice to the youth of Kenya. I admire all of you."

"I really enjoyed your photos. Thank you for the chance to have an insight into your life, which is so different from mine."

"To the inspiring youth of the world. Thank you for sharing what you see. I appreciate the gift."

"Beautiful. Thank you very much."

"I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful photos of life and realize how important it will be to document it for more people to see. Thank you."

"The combination of teaching + allowing their students to learn from their own picture taking is amazing. Maybe their students will be inspired to become photographers themselves."

"I have had the great opportunity to have studied the art of photography since I was 12 years old and love that you are all embracing the art form so well. Continue taking wonderful pictures such as these, they are truly amazing."

"Thank you for sharing your photos with me. I am really touched by everything I see here. I love everyone in this world so this makes me really happy to see more expression and love everywhere."

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Alexis hard at work in front of the youths' photographs and words on one side of our 20 foot booth.

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Alexis' photographs of the process on the other side of our booth.

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Our beautiful banner, which thanks our gracious sponsors Pro One and Finishing Concepts.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

VOICES at photo la - Jan. 18-21

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Voices is an exhibition of photography and video depicting issues facing the youth of Kisumu, Kenya through their eyes. In a country notorious for corruption, in an area where HIV/AIDS, prostitution, rape, alcohol and substance abuse, discrimination, crime, poverty, and unemployment are among the first and most commonly mentioned issues by young people in community centers and schools, young people are forced to make life and death decisions on a daily basis. Using donated video and still camera equipment, these young people were given the opportunity to use creative expression through media to voice their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and experiences.

Voices will exhibit at photo la
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Preview reception benefit
Preview tickets - $100
All proceeds go to the
Elton John AIDS Foundation
Thursday, January 18th, 2007 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Public Hours
One-day pass - $20
Three-day pass - $30
Friday, January 19, 2007 noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 20, 2007 noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday, January 21, 2007 noon to 6 p.m.

http://www.artfairsinc.com/photola/2007/

Saturday, January 06, 2007

December at Abila Creative Center

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Even in the rain the kids of Mamboleo are enthusiastic.

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By the end of 2006 Abila had a fully-functioning cyber cafe.

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Youth were still dropping by frequently to use the cyber cafe and continue work on their projects.

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Zack got to see pictures of his photos on display in New York City.

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Abila staff like Allan Juma are still hard at work.

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Abila staff member Steve's welcoming face at the informative entrance to Abila.