The Light Factory Opens Political Student Photography Exhibition

"We are Charlotte" shows real faces, real issues in time for 2012 DNC

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In celebration of the Democratic National Convention in September, The Light Factory will premiere a powerful exhibition of high school student photography called "We are Charlotte."  On exhibition from August 20 through October 14, 2012 in The Light Factory's Middleton McMillan Gallery, "We are Charlotte" features a unique perspective on community identity and politics from a teen perspective. The exhibition and opening reception set for Thursday, Sept. 27, are free and open to the public.  More information is available online at www.lightfactory.org/student-art-exchanges.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120820/DC60015)

During the spring 2012 semester, The Light Factory's teaching artists used proven arts-integrated curriculum to guide students through the creative process and directed their research on the issues that most affect them including healthcare, racism, the environment and immigration. The Light Factory challenged students from Northwest School of the Arts, as well as Myers Park, West Charlotte and Rocky River High Schools, to express their points-of-view on the American Political process and who "we" are.  A slideshow of these self-portraits is available at http://www.lightfactory.org/student-art-exchanges.

In an honest and deeply personal way, students used photography to represent the Charlotte community: from their family members and friends, to the marginalized and invisible.  These portraits will be displayed in The Light Factory's gallery (located at 345 N. College at E. Seventh Streets) and on digital billboards on the EpiCentre campus (N. College at E. Fifth Streets) through a special arrangement with Orange Barrel Media. The "We are Charlotte" video can be seen online at http://www.lightfactory.org/student-art-exchanges.

To inspire students to speak their minds, The Light Factory's teaching artists prompted the students with questions like: What bothers you about America? What worries you about the future?  What would you change about America if you could?  At the conclusion of the project the students, coming from different schools and walks of life, gathered to share their answers and artwork to further their discovery of self and community.

"We are Charlotte" is the latest project in The Light Factory's on-going educational initiative to use the power of image to transcend language and cultural barriers.  Previous programs brought students in Charlotte together to discuss the environment ("Earth Exchange") and to express self and subvert stereotypes ("Self Image").  Other student art exchanges have bridged students in Charlotte with their peers across the state, country and world.  The Light Factory has traveled students to eastern North Carolina ("Vanishing Point"), New Orleans ("Message in a Bottle: Reconstructing Lives") and China ("China I-Sights").  More information on these projects can be found at www.lightfactory.org/student-art-exchanges.

"We are Charlotte" is supported by a Front Porch Grant, a Crossroads Charlotte program of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation (affiliated with the Foundation for the Carolinas). The Light Factory is supported by Basic Operating Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (ArtWorks www.arts.gov), the Arts and Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and North Carolina Arts Council.

The Light Factory is one of only four museums in the United States that promote the power of image through photography and film. Since 1972, The Light Factory has served students, artists and the public at large by offering film screenings, photography exhibits, classes and outreach programs that promote media literacy and self expression using the most powerful mediums of our time. The Light Factory is a 501c3, non-profit organization. To find out more about The Light Factory or make a donation visit www.lightfactory.org. 

Contact: Dee Grano
704-333-9755

SOURCE The Light Factory