Literacy Volunteers of Maine presents
Faces of Literacy: Voices of Courage - The Photography Exhibit
George Heino; Rockland, ME (2009)
Photograph by Jeff Fujio
Organized by LV Maine, this innovative exhibition of 20 photographs and accompanying commentary exemplifies our mission, as the state office of the LV affiliate network, to raise awareness of and increase access to literacy services for adults. The portraits humanize the fact that one in seven Mainers struggles with reading; is aimed to reduce the shame and stigma of low literacy by emphasizing success; and shows that Literacy Volunteers offers life-changing solutions. Last year, 1,000 adults learned to read through Maine Literacy Volunteers.
The exhibit will tour the state of Maine into 2010. Having debuted at LV Maine's September 17, 2009 benefit event, the exhibit began its official statewide premier at the Saco Museum from October 2 to November 15, 2009 with an opening reception and artist's talk. For additional locations, see the exhibit schedule.
The photographs were created under the direction of LV Maine in a unique collaboration among men and women associated with Maine Literacy Volunteers affiliates and six photography students from the Maine College of Art. During the spring of 2009, the young photographers depicted literacy learners and tutors in libraries, worksites, group homes and learning centers throughout Maine. Volunteering their own time and talent and for no extra college credit, photographers Melissa DiPaola, Ashley Earl, Jeff Fujiu, Diane Wren, Jessica Perro and Emma Sampson, received no financial compensation.
Background stories and personal statements of learners and tutors complement the portraits. The individuals featured in this exhibition courageously shared their faces and voices of their innermost journeys. They remind us that their great accomplishment in achieving literacy is never to be taken for granted.
Touring Photography Exhibit Schedule
Additional exhibition venues are in development. To host the exhibit in your area, contact elaine@lvmaine.org. To sponsor individual portraits or any portion of the exhibit, contact sarah@lvmaine.org or call 207-773-3191.
| Oct. 2-Nov. 15, 2009 | Saco Museum |
| November 23 - December 19, 2009 | Auburn Public Library |
| Winter 2010 | Augusta region TBD |
| April 12 - May 14, 2010 | Turner Library, Presque Isle |
| July 26 - August 28 | Bangor Mall, TBD |
| Summer 2010 | Mid-Coast Region TBD |
| Fall 2010 | Exhibit in Cumberland County to include Literacy Day -- September 8, 2010) |
View the exhibition brochure (4.2MB PDF)
