"Through the Eyes of the Homeless" Photography Exhibit (2015)
During the summer of 2015 homeless women, all current residents of Miriam’s House, have been provided with disposable cameras, funded by the James River Council for the Arts and Humanities. The photographers set out to depict their daily lives and to provide an insight into a side of our society that most people never experience.
From hundreds of photographs, a jury consisting of professional photographers, representatives of the Miriams House and JRCAH selected 24 photos for the exhibit and awarded prizes to the photographers.
The photographs were on exhibit at Riverviews Artspace from Friday,October 9th and extended upon request until Friday, November 6, 2015. Framed photography as well as postcards made of photos from the exhibit were available for sale with all proceeds donated to Miriam’s House so they can continue supporting our homeless community.
A total in the amount of $2000.00 was raised for Miriam’s House. In addition prizes totaling $400 were provided to the photographers.
Over 400 individuals visited the exhibit.
The exhibit received extensive coverage from television, Newspaper and Radio news media, including NPR, WVTF and the News & Advance. It was a viable contribution to the success of the exhibit and the goal to raise awareness of a social economic issue with the means of Art in addition to obtaining funds.
The exhibit had been successful beyond any expectation. It has been requested to travel to various locations, and will be displayed at St. Johns Church of Lynchburg next, followed by Lynchburg City Hall in February.
Visit the website of Miriam’s House to view details on their work in our community .
The purpose of the project is to:
On any given night there are 220 men, women and children homeless in Lynchburg.
This exhibition aims to raise public awareness of female homelessness in our local community, and to start conversation through the medium of art, on finding support and solutions.
Learn more:
- 733 persons were homeless within the Lynchburg community in 2014
- In 2014, there were 49 homeless veterans in Lynchburg
- 60% of the women served by Miriam’s House are victims of domestic violence
- 63% of the women served by Miriam’s House have a disability, and 45% of persons served by Miriam’s House are children
- 97% of households exiting Miriam’s House programs went into stable housing of their own
Many thanks to our collaborators, sponsors and partners:
AEP has provided financial support for this project. Additional support has come from private donors.
Riverviews Artspace is donating the gallery space. You can view other upcoming events here: http://riverviews.net