After Supper Visions
A vast crowd of art enthusiasts was on-hand this weekend to see the Grand Opening of the 2013 ASV Photography Exhibition. The seventy-six photographers in the show were glad to meet all of the attendees and share their perspectives on the multitude of Chicago landmarks and nature settings represented in the gorgeous array of photos. As in previous years, many guests commented that the photos in the ASV Exhibit rival those in any other art gallery in the city. Final touches are being made on the new Shopping Cart feature of this website, so anyone wanting to purchase prints, note cards and holiday cards will be able to do so, within just a few days. Until then, enjoy these snapshots of the gallery opening last Friday. Congratulations to every one of the artists!
Artist Statements
As I walked off the escalator at Harold Washington Library and caught sight of all those extraordinary dog tags, I thought of all the lives sacrificed. That in itself was enough to inspire me. The dog tags tell stories of men and women, some who lost lives and some MIA. My words cannot express how I felt when I took these photos. I can only say that my heart goes out to all those courageous men and women whom they represent.
Earl B.Bike photo: I wanted a straight photo with a diagonal feel to it. I thought it was cool to take a photo like this. I tried to grasp a photo that no one else takes – a unique perspective. I like my photos to be an art piece hung in someone’s living room or office space.
Anthony B.First, I would like to thank God for allowing me to grace the company of such loving people and their gracious hearts of compassion. Catholic Charities After Supper Visions project has been a lifesaver for me. To view the world as it truly is in all its splendor. The chance to inspire is my middle name when it comes to photography. Thanks to all involved.
Ralph W.The one thing I love about art is the flowers, plants and the way you can capture it all if you have that eye for the perfect picture before it is all gone.
Robert S.A Weekend in the Swamp I’m Happy to be back in the show. It is a wonderful place to show my work and see the other artists’ work. I was lucky enough to go to Georgia with a friend to the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. I would like to share some photos of the prehistoric place.
Mike B.A. The lady blowing cool water out of her mouth is cool and refreshing for the kids during the hot summer. B. As a native Chicagoan, I chose to show one of the city’s most popular attractions: the Bean. C. The skyscrapers are one of the city’s most breath-taking attractions.
Cedell D.I like to take pictures of the places I used to stay at when I was homeless. These photos remind me of my past, and the After Supper Visions Program is helping me move forward to a better place.
James L.Like the quote by Tess Flanders “A picture is worth a thousand words”.
Neal H.The photos give us good idea of the future of Chicago: buildings and landscapes that are beautiful. The photo project inspires me to look for pictures I want to take.
Donnell W.When I took the pictures, I felt full of joy and happiness. I smelled the colorful flowers and was inspired to take the pictures. The statue was about church. I felt I needed to take the picture because it was a still life. The picture with the grass is full of green, which is my favorite color and most of all it was a beautiful day.
Markeara L.I enjoy photography. It brings back memories when I was smart kid, who loved my teachers. Teachers who took the time and showed us how much fun it was to learn. We went on field trips, that was exciting to us when I was in grammar school and high school.
Regina H.Pictures of any kind are the procreating and production of two God-given eyes correlating and collaborating. If only the world can see straight, eye-to-eye, that would make one perfect picture of a perfect family.
Cheryl H.Taking pictures makes me feel cool and warm. I like photography. I am so grateful for the scenery that cameras give me. God gave me some vision because I am legally blind but still can see the beauty of life.
James F.Photography puts us in the Here and Now. It teaches us beauty, and therefore life itself is fleeting.
Vernon J.I was so vain at one time until I finally opened my eyes in this photo and seen the world as a whole, our people and places and art come together in our religion as one.
Andrea C.This year’s photo show has helped me gain more insight to my own life persona in the eyes of this young artistic dragon-sized spirit of mine and I am forever grateful.
Shaolin M.I like the photography because it makes me feel like I’ve done something important.
Love S.When I am taking pictures of different things, I try to do the best I can. However, I take my time when I am shooting the pictures and find buildings and nice areas like parks and other clean places and community. Nevertheless, this is my first time being a photographer and it is very interesting and challenging. Therefore, I hope you all enjoy looking at my beautiful pictures. Thank you very much. P.S. I did my best.
Nathaniel G.A very short summary about me. I am originally from Louisville, Kentucky. I have been living all over American streets since I was 16 years old. I have raised myself, so, trust Christianity and fairytales are my childhood. It does not exist, so I have been anti- social most of my life. It may be possible for me to learn how to become more sociable and a trade for a career in photography.
Shawn S.I am 48 years old, AA, disabled, single female; who is both an educated mason that is both poor and homeless. I am also a non-veteran, non-gang member, without children. Due to gentrification, I was evicted out of public housing after a quarter of a century. All praises and thanks to Father God and Catholic Charities. I am moving from being barred from low-income housing to the bus and park bench to a new home of my own. Step by step.
Michelle T.The world of structure, enthusiasm, accomplishment in photo synthesizing and obedience in learning. These are my feelings about photography.
David C.These photos were taken in Hawaii while I worked on a cruise ship this past summer. Although I was working 10-hour days, I was able to get off every now and then and take photos every chance I got. I hope you enjoy them.
Robert R.Everything must be rooted and grounded in love according to the Bible. The flower, carrots and the celery were rooted and grounded in love, so was our country, symbolized by the flag and Patriot on the Horse. Want to change the world… root for love, by loving yourself and others, by making a world a better place for all to love. That is how you change the world; root for love, by being rooted in love. Sow love, reap love, reap what showed and grounded in love.
Kenny S.I love photography. My late uncle was a photographer before he became a businessman. I love photography for the light, the color, the shadows, and all the varied shapes and dimensions. It is a wonderful hobby, and could turn out to be an extremely interesting profession. It’s also a fun way to be an artist.
Daniel G.I have been in the show for 3 years. I love taking pictures outdoors. The way the shadows fall, the way the color grows and flower. City life catches my eyes!
Roberta J.What I like about the project is that it was fun doing it and I hope some sell. I like water and the river because they are peaceful and quiet. I wanted to capture the moment.
Aaron C.Where do we go when we go. Do you know yet life goes on. Life at time could feel like a cage. Most people have no idea it exist be it up top or at the bottom, we are all seeking of some sort of freedom.
Shawn B.I like to talk to others and see a new life. Time is not good – I don’t have a job or home. Working for it all but pictures and the photo project are helping me to look up. Being with friends at photo project has helped me.
John L.I am so proud and humbled to be in this show. I have for so long been called a loser, good for nothing, never amount to anything person. Today I know I am none of those negative things. Having been clean and sober for seven years I can truly say I feel a part of something good. I see myself as being a photographer and an artist. I’m grateful for this social opportunity. I thank God for everyone involved in making this event successful.
Andy A.Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities I have even seen in the world. At night it is magnificent and serene and it is always the talk of the town. My building photos make me think of clear blue skies. Buildings have been here for many years and they are as beautiful as they are landmarks. As I keep photographing I keep finding new and beautiful places the city has to offer.
Valerie B.My personal escape…Spending years struggling to keep a roof over your head, a decent meal in your body and protective clothing from the elements causes one to lose sight of his surroundings. Photography taps into the soul and brings out the joy of freedom.
Reginald H.I came to Catholic Charities to be in the class on Wednesday and one of my friends told me about the class on Tuesday. I love to take pictures of colors and shapes. Pictures to me is artwork. Each picture to me has a shape and color; it tells you a story about something. As a child, I was in art classes and I find art is a melody; it is also like a book with a beginning and an ending.
Lori V.This is my first year in the photo class. The more I relaxed the more fun I started having. It you think it is beautiful it is probably a good picture.
Sandra D.Thank you! I took the stain glass picture at Holy Name Cathedral. I took the Chicago underground train station picture at the Harrison stop on the red line. This one is looking out the window of the Harold Washington Library.
John B.It is very hard for me to get out. Taking the pictures I found relaxing and enjoyed doing more than I thought. I hope you find a picture you enjoy as much.
Daniel D.A picture is worth a thousand words but I had nothing to do. Taking photos is a good hobby and I hope someone will like my talent.
James S.The Catholic Charities is where I spend time doing things I like to do like taking photos of Chicago and yoga and whatever they have but most of all is taking photography.
Maurice C.The one thing I love about art is that it is relaxing. I love nature, the flowers, plants and landscape. The two pictures of the landscape, the one with the water was in the Gurnee area. It is so beautiful up there! The second one was taken in McHenry County. The tulip picture was just a random one. I was caught in the rain, I thought, “wow, the water droplets on the tulip, this will make a great picture”. I hope that we, as humans, will not destroy the beauty of our Planet!
Andre C.I really enjoy the photo show.
Lamont S.I came to Catholic Charities to be in the class on Wednesday and one of my friends told me about the class on Tuesday. I love to take pictures of colors and shapes. Pictures to me is artwork, each picture to me has a shape and color, it tell you a story about something. As a child I was in art classes and I find art is a melody. It’s also like a book, it has a beginning and an ending.
Lori V.