History

It all began with a “Vision”…

In 2002, Catholic Charities staff and motivated volunteers, including professional photographers, developed the After Supper: Visions of My Life program to encourage guests of the Catholic Charities “Tuesday Night Suppers” to discover their creative talents through photography. The program’s founding purpose was for each guest artist to have an experience of empowerment and to see themselves and take pride in their artistry. 

Seventeen artists were showcased in the first photo exhibit in a small warehouse in Chicago. 

After Supper Visions is based on a very simple premise: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”  With warmth and compassion, program volunteers have helped artists discover their own ability to capture beauty in the world around them. 

“The best part of the project,  for me, is when the artists discuss each other’s work on Tuesday nights. To see the artists help each other describe how to take a good photo is really incredible. There have been many nights where I just step back as six or eight artists are together at the table in heated discussion.” – Jody O’Conner, founding volunteer

                                         “This is my vision of heaven…

                         We’re all here on an equal plain, young and old.

                       Well-dressed volunteers sit side-by side with people

                      who bear the burden of being homeless or hungry.

                     Our common bond is an opportunity to share a meal

                                             and a vision of our lives.”

                                               –    Fr. Wayne Watts