ASV Year In Review

As New Year’s celebrations begin around the world today, the ASV program of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago pauses to reflect on how it has evolved over the past decade, and summarize the developments of this year:

“Ten Years Developing Film, Talent and Hope”                          2003             2012

Number of artists participating in the photo exhibition               17                59
Number of gallery shows                                                                      1                   3
Number of photos taken                                                                    408            1,416+
Number of photos framed                                                                   51                200

Over the past ten years, 245 artists have sold over $100,000 worth of photos; more than 23,000 photos have been taken. Hundreds of lives have been changed. Some artists have earned enough from the program to put security deposits on apartments, begin to pay tuition at community colleges, buy a computer and become employed as photographers.

The goal of the program continues to be providing an opportunity for Tuesday Night Supper guests to find enjoyment and satisfaction, while earning income as they develop their creative talents as photographers. Those who attend the photo art exhibition each June also benefit from meeting the artists and discussing photography, and life with them. The intention is for ASV to be a positive, uplifting experience for all, from the time the disposable cameras are handed out in September through the completion of the exhibit each June.

In 2012, there has been an inspiring surge in the number of business leaders in Chicago’s corporate community that have purchased ASV prints for display in their homes and in their professional lobbies, conference rooms and personal offices. ASV artists also have been very grateful for the compensation they receive from the increased sale of online note cards and holiday cards featuring their artwork.

Those who visit this website regularly comment that they are particularly moved by the “Quotes From The Artists” page (see above).

Fr. Wayne Watts agrees about the universal appeal of this program. He says, “Appreciating art, finding interesting, beautiful things in the world and helping others help themselves. This is what ‘After Supper Visions’ is all about. These are things people everywhere can believe in.”

As ASV concludes “Ten Years Developing Film, Talent and Hope,” we thank the many individuals and corporate sponsors who have supported this program over the past decade, and look forward to the many possibilities for growth and discovery that still lie ahead. ASV is one of hundreds of programs that Catholic Charities has operated for 95 years, affirming the dignity and talents of every person, helping them strive for self-sufficiency.

We invite you to stay with the ASV website into the New Year, as the 2013 ASV Exhibition approaches (on June 7th and 8th) and as our online sale of note cards and photo prints continues. Happy New Year!

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