Celebration of Diversity:  The New Face of Homelessness

Opening Reception:  February 10 from 6-8pm
February 11 - March 17, 2011
     The Valley Art Center started 2011 with a show presenting the many faces of the homeless by showcasing the community outreach programs from the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) and the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry's 2100 Lakeside Men's Emergency Shelter. 
      This inspirational journey of humanity started with "Portraits of
Homelessness," by Lydia Bailey, Coordinator of Volunteers at the 2100
Lakeside Men's Emergency Shelter, featuring over 40 photographs with
accompanying stories of the residents at the shelter.  These photographs
were partnered with the "Movable Wall," a collage of pictures, statistics and quotes by homeless people designed to create a public awareness and depict the true experience of homelessness.  This element of the exhibit was provided by NEOCH.
      Also, because this exhibit took place during the winter months, VAC collected hats, gloves, scarves and other "warm" items that were later donated to 2100 Lakeside Men's Emergency Shelter and other area shelters for the homeless.

Photo credit--Michael Steinberg, VAC Intermediate/Advanced & Photoshop Photography Instructor