Celebrating this week’s Grand Opening of the downtown Chicago Pop-Up Loop art exhibit, respected print and broadcast journalist Rick Kogan has generously done a feature story on ASV published today in The Chicago Tribune Arts & Entertainment Section. See our PRESS page (above, under HOW VISIONS WORKS) for details.
Artist Statements
It is my expression of my photography of my life vision is the vision of my life in the world of beauty.
James L.In my pictures, I have captured the beauty in objects and places with different medium, which allows me to express unique pictures.
Herman H.I like to go to take pictures with my friends to see who has the best pictures. I name mine. A. Taste of the east B. The trees have shadows C. Reflection D. Long way home
Jerry T.I like the fact that I can learn about taking pictures and I hope I can continue to learn.
Claude S.The photography class was great. It gave me a chance to be creative and to see the beauty of God.
Tracey M.Photography relaxes me. It makes me feel proud to be a Chicagoan. Our city is so beautiful – we should never take for granted. We are blessed to live here.
Michael W.I love the “poetry” photo. When I was 14 years old Gwendolyn Brooks visited my High School and read her poems. It was my first introduction to a Poet Laureate. Ms. Brooks explained to my class the definition of a Poet Laureate. Ms. Brooks literally spoke these words “We Real Cool.” After Supper Visions teachers have inspired me. They are the reason why I took these photos.
Kim J.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.I like the colors of my photos and their shapes; how they grow from the ground and blend it out.
Sheri H.I spent the summer in Cedar Michigan last year, and the view at most everywhere I went was breathtaking, so here are some of the sights I would like to share.
Robert R.The Catholic Charities “After Supper Visions Photography”. This career of 17 years has brought out my hidden artistic talent thanks to the “Master Teacher, Jody” of the photography program.
Margaret A.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.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.Like the quote by Tess Flanders “A picture is worth a thousand words”.
Neal H.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.I love this project because it makes me feel proud taking pictures of doors, windows, plants, animals, and buildings. I do enjoy taking pictures; it makes me feel good about animals, plants, building, food, and myself.
Sandra W.I want to thank Ellen, Jody, Katie, Fr. Wayne, Linda, Noreen, Michael and everyone else I have forgotten for the chance to display my pictures.
Neal H.Enjoying the sun reflecting on the building while walking through the city.
Bobby L.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.Please find smiles inside…
Mia G.I like taking pictures hoping that someone will be inspired by what Chicago looks like through my vision of what I see.
Bobby L.Art is my happy place especially photography. This is my escape; I can be whoever I want to be. My husband and I are named as the “Art Couple Who’s Still Standing.
Sarah E.I live here in Chicago. I am an artist that really appreciate what Catholic Charities is doing with the photography sessions. Looking forward to doing more photo events with them.
Lamont S.My friend and I go out to take pictures as a team and enjoy and compare.
Roberta J.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 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.I thank God for blessing me to get in this class; it has helped me a lot and I am happy about it, very happy. I thank you all for this class and my beautiful pictures.
Mattie R.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 is my seventh year in the photo show and I love to take pictures of trees and plants outdoors. I like how the shadows fall on the shot. My best picture is the tree with sunshine just on the front.
Jerry T.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.Stormy morning – waiting for the sun to rise. Geese and ducklings swimming and dipping in the water. Getting lost between sunrise and sunset. The beautiful colors, the dark blue water and skylights. Bird watching early morning – what did I miss? Beautiful colors of water and sky.
Ruby T.Photography is like still poetry, looking through the lens of a camera, I try to find something that speaks directly to me. I love to escape. Photography is a perfect way to escape. When I am taking pictures, I go to a faraway place where I can become one with the camera, and nothing else matters. I love my photography class. I have learned how to hold a camera correctly, at the same time choose a view that speaks directly to me.
Eva M.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.People will forget what you said…But will never forget how you made this feel. A Adapted from Maya Angelou
Deborah A.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.I wanted to take pictures of the Cubs celebration because this is the first time they won since 1908. Who knows when they will do it again. Hopefully the Cubs will win in 200, too!
Ronald G.I try to take photos that show beauty in its many forms. I have named my photos (for fun): A) High on LSD B) Beau Bridges C) Monet Tree D) Rhapsody in Blue
Barry G.My photo vision scenes from Chicago lakefront. With the use of shade, shadows, shots were taken on angles using lines to draw the viewer into the photo scene
Herman H.Random photography of the city. From the early morning not as bitterly cold outside as it feels.
Ruby T.Photography puts us in the Here and Now. It teaches us beauty, and therefore life itself is fleeting.
Vernon J.