The 2023 After Supper Visions Photo Exhibition was a huge success, thanks to all of the attendees and sponsors who came together that evening in support of all of this year’s artists. Many people commented that it was “great to be together again” in person, and that the photos unveiled that evening showed extraordinary talent again this year. Click HERE to see highlights from the Photos Exhibition. Also see the entire 2023 Gallery of photos HERE. Please consider purchasing prints for your home or office. The artists benefit directly from every purchase. If you have any questions, please contact Noreen Russo, ASV Program Manager at nrusso@catholiccharities.net. Thank you again for your support of the ASV artists!
Artist Statements
Everything changes through the eye of a camera. Whether it is a flower, a tire, an ant or a person, there is beauty in everything.
Marnee K.Had a good time doing it. Hope you love them as much as I do.
Paul S.In final, the weather would be dirty to a photographer, but we call this skyscrapers. Can fun time and the pictures make you smile? It did for me and that’s why I had fun.
Brian C.I have been taking pictures for eight years and I am still in the pictures. I like being in it because it helps me calm down and be happy. I like taking pictures outside a lot, hot, snow, that what I like doing. It shows what best comes out of me.
Octavia W.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.It was a hard discussion to come up with all these very creative statements. It is the beauty a person can capture that gives me complete joy.
Maurice B.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.Feels exciting to be part of the photo project. I got a chance to create something to capture nature and it makes me feel more of a part of creation.
Thomas L.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 like the fact that I can learn about taking pictures and I hope I can continue to learn.
Claude S.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.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.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 like taking pictures around the holidays because everything is so decorative. I like taking pictures of the Bulls, the Sox, the Blackhawks and the Cubs, all in Chicago because they are all winners.
Ronald 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.Please find smiles inside…
Mia G.ONLY IN MY MIND’S EYE Do I enjoy my perfect photographs. perfect subject, perfect lighting, perfect composition. I then raise my camera, release the shutter, and that original moment in time is gone forever, never to be repeated again. That short delay of the shutter, and dust on the lens, the printer’s inks, and even the texture of the photo paper, all conspire to distort my “perfect image”. It is with this in mind, that I sincerely hope that I can transport the v… Read more
Ray 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.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.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.Always needing to express my feelings toward the world of inventiveness, a perception of my imagination, to be an expression of freedom.
William R.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.Up a Creek Be Still The Road to Oz Dr. Who
Barry G.Random photography of the city. From the early morning not as bitterly cold outside as it feels.
Ruby T.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.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. 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 the colors of my photos and their shapes; how they grow from the ground and blend it out.
Sheri H.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.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.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.People will forget what you said…But will never forget how you made this feel. A Adapted from Maya Angelou
Deborah A.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.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.I love the After Supper Visions program. It has made me become more appreciative of photography. A picture can say a lot of words. One is love for the ASV program…
Lamont B.My second time trying this medium for expression. I usually draw, paint or write. But this turned out to be very helpful in choosing what to capture on film. Also why to capture on film. So I can only say if it looks interesting I try to capture the interest.
Charles F.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.Photography is a recording of expression. My expression is freelance; the ability to share a message, my message is peace and excitement.
Robert N.My friend and I go out to take pictures as a team and enjoy and compare.
Roberta J.“Great are the works of the LORD ; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are His deeds, and His righteousness endures forever.” Psalm 111:2-3 I am always pondering the beauty of this world. The unique symmetry of each variety of flower, shrub or tree is breathtaking. I choose the Daffodils, the Azaleas, the exotic Scilla Peruviana, and the leaf of the Papaya tree to display in this year’s photo show. I hope that you enjoy these selections.
Marie H.