(Tuscaloosa) The Arts Council will present an exhibit featuring the photography from the 2011 Black Belt 100 Lenses project from July 7 – 27, 2011 in the Bama Theatre’s Junior League Gallery. An opening reception will take place on July 7 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. during Art Night. The exhibit will be comprised of photographs and narratives from 40 public and private high school students from the twelve counties comprising Alabama’s Black Belt region. The opening will be in conjunction with the “Mosaic Quilts” opening reception at the Bama’s Greensboro Room Gallery during the same evening.
Selected by an advisory committee, participants were chosen based on creative submissions. The students were then given cameras and were instructed to explore their communities and document what was important in their lives and the region. Participants then attended a summer camp at The University of Alabama where they worked in conjunction with other students on creative photography activities and designed the exhibit. They also had the opportunity to hear from community leaders and historians, participate in creative writing workshops, collaborate with local artists and generate ideas to improve their communities. The students will meet and work with local leaders on a community-based project as a follow-up to the camp. In addition to the exhibit at the Junior League Gallery, the exhibit will appear at other venues throughout the state.
In conjunction with promoting skills in the art of photography, the program also includes the goals of improving writing and presentation, leadership ability, knowledge of Black Belt history, civic and community awareness and critical thinking skills.
The Black Belt 100 Lenses Project is supported by The Black Belt Community Foundation, the UA Center for Community-Based Partnerships, the Public and Private Schools in the twelve Alabama Black Belt counties and the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
For further information, visit www.blackbelt100lenses.org.
Elliot A. Knight, Founder and Co-Director, Black Belt 100 Lenses Project at UA’s Center for Community-Based Partnerships, can be reached at 205-348-7392 and at elliot.knight@gmail.com.Additional information about The Arts Council is available by visiting www.tuscarts.org, following the group on Facebook and Twitter or by calling 205-758-5195.
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