The Montclair Public Library will present a group photography exhibit titled “Photo Voice—Moments in Time” from November 2-28. The exhibit coincides with National Family Caregivers Month. The exhibit features the work of 14 community members, who have distilled decades of life experience into a single image.
Using photography as their voice, the participants in this exhibit have identified and represented their community’s strengths, concerns, and unique perspectives. The process is called Photo Voice, and it enables people to share their experiences of aging in a meaningful way. This summer, local residents were invited to participate in facilitated discussion groups. Mental health professionals from the Mental Health Association partnered with Aging in Montclair to guide participants through discussion, art-making, writing practice and self-reflection.
Together, the groups identified common themes of time, acceptance, freedom, possibilities, and more. Armed with cameras, the participants went out into the world to capture their individual impressions. Each participant then selected a single photograph, accompanied by their personal statement, providing us with a window into their aging experience. All are invited to experience the powerful stories and images captured by these members of our community.
The exhibit is made possible through the partnership of The Mental Health Association and Aging in Montclair. Montclair Public Library hosted the workshops and the group exhibit. The exhibit was curated by Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) and its team of graduate art therapy interns.