Winter comes to Spring in Douglas Park. A hidden jewel on Chicago’s west side is ready for its close up.
Artist Statements
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.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.I took photography in high school. I have been involved with Catholic Charities for three years. This is my first time doing the Visions’ class. I have also sold artwork with the Chicago Association of Retarded Citizens. What inspired me to take the picture of the moon was the way it was, kind of play hide and seek with clouds on a cold winter’s night; a clock is a work beauty, and river on a cold winter day with the city what a sight to look at.
Tracy B.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.I began doing this art project for a year now… but at first I thought it was going to be a waste of my time, but now I’m beginning to really like this program… I love to see the different photos that have been entered in the art show.
Lamont B.Had a good time doing it. Hope you love them as much as I do.
Paul S.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.The photo class program gives you a chance to use your imagination to create an artistic way to express your feelings about photography. The reflections of my images, I tried to bring out the beauty of the world.
William R.I am so glad that there is that thing called After Supper Visions. I look forward to the show each year. It give me another reason to be a happy person. To see things and record them is magic. I am grateful that we can share this wonderful moment.
Denis D.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.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.The reason why I am writing this note is because I love to take nice pictures of buildings, cars, windows, animals and others too. Now, the reason why I take pictures is because it makes me feel good about myself. I need something positive to do. Photography is a nice thing to do, indoors and outdoors. Just holding a camera makes me feel special.
Sandra W.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 photos reflect how I see the city of Chicago. My city is so beautiful in so many ways in how I see it.
Anthony B.Enjoying the sun reflecting on the building while walking through the city.
Bobby L.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.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 started taking photos as a hobby. I was bored with a lot of free time. I started paying attention to the scenery that I took for granted every day. For example, sunrise, moon and sunshine. As dusk starts to settle in that’s when things get calm and relaxing, my perfect time for photos/photography.
Tommy L.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.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.It was winter and it had snowed for the first time of the season so I wanted to capture the Picasso in the snow.
William H.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 love photography. It is great fun. I really enjoyed the classes and learning how to take pictures. Everybody at Catholic Charities has been so nice, and I am very grateful to them.
Daniel G.These three shots were done during the late day because I was trying to capture shade, light and shadow to produce a scene that would be appealing and comfortable to the eye. The third shot with bike was an expression of reflection, light, and shadow.
Maurice P.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.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.I like to talk to others and see a new life Time is not good, I don 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 the photo project has helped me.
John L.Um.. Hello, this is America. You can salute the Flags. You can pray like Mary. You can roar like a lion. You can soar and fly like an eagle. Your call.
Kenny S.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.I love this After Supper Visions event. It is very sobering experience for me. I get a chance to be productive while expressing my artistic ability. After being clean and sober for eight years, I am excited to be an active participant in something positive and creative. Thank you all for coming out and supporting and encouraging us in recreating our lives.
Andy A.The photography class was great. It gave me a chance to be creative and to see the beauty of God.
Tracey M.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.The Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier Chicago is awesome. I wanted everyone to know how it feels when you stand at the bottom of the stairs, excited and afraid to get on. So, I laid on the ground and took this picture, and then I ran away!
Sharon C.Winter comes to Spring in Douglas Park. A hidden jewel on Chicago’s west side is ready for its close up.
Kurt J.Pictures give me a pleasure of good time. I like taking pictures in the mid-day hours because it makes my day go smoother and faster. Catholic Charities inspires me because of their hospitality every day in serving the homeless. I have been a part of Catholic Charities for 17 years – a very good organization.
Sammie B.Back to the show again. I love coming here. The pictures let me be creative. I like talking to the people that come to the show and I like to see the pictures of the other artists in the show. I take the camera with me everywhere I go. I always have my eyes open for different pictures that might jump out at me…This year I was at one of the races in Chicago and lucky enough that the city closed off the streets. I was able to take some pictures of the streets of Chicago without any traffic.… Read more
Mike B.I enjoy everything about the project. The day I took the photos, it was a bright, sunny day.
Regina H.I have had done the photo project before and I have had fun doing it. My pictures tell you what I love and what I am. I love nature and art and animals, wildlife as well.
Aisa O.Ungh, ungawa.
Calvin G.Please find smiles inside…
Mia G.