November 3. 2010
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is Nov. 15-21
What can you do? Southern Oregon University, Eagle point High School and the Jackson County Homeless Task Force have teamed up to create a one of a kind awareness raising event and art show. Come see new images in the “Portraits of Disconnection” series, original art by Eagle Point High School students (depicting their own perspective on homeless issues in our county) and artwork by High School students who have experienced homelessness.
Participate in Youth, Social Services, and Gospel Mission panel discussions as well.
*Tuesday, November 16 from 1-4 PM at Medford branch of the Jackson County Public Library. Downstairs. Call Christie Van Aken at Jackson County Housing Authority for more information. (541) 779-5785 or toll free 1-888-276-7890
For National information: National Community Resource Center
Melvin & Marty follow up 2010 photo by Lisa Byrne ****
November 2. 2010
Going through all the material I’ve collected from previous shows . Reviewing everything. Even promotional cards and announcements. Found this entry in a guest book from 2005:
“Dear Lisa, Saw the announcement of your exhibition in the (Medford) Mail Tribune. Some photos, I didn’t get the meaning. But overall, the message of homelessness is self evident…its a big problem and hard to change. Only a society more concerned with the needs of people, instead of profit can have a stronger impact.”
Ashland Daily Tidings article from earlier this year (February) regarding homelessness and the economy
“The face of homelessness has changed so dramatically in just the past year because of the economy,” Ed Angeletti, planning director for ACCESS, which provides food, housing and other services for low-income people in Jackson County.
Heather & Bobby 2008, photo by Lisa Byrne *Several dozen images have been sent for review- as possible choices to add to Portraits of Disconnection series. Currently, the collection is 16 framed pieces which remain with the Accessible Affordable Housing committee, a sub group of the Jackson County Homeless Task Force. Christie Van Aken is the coordinator/underlying force for many events involving these photos. Without her efforts, they would not get nearly as much exposure. Her patience, her desire to work with me on and off over the past 1/2 decade, and her ability to remain encouraging- despite our both experiencing major health crisis’s- is unprecedented
Basil. Closeup. 2008, photo by Lisa Byrne
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November 1. 2o1o
Portraits of Disconnection is a series of documentary photographs reflecting issues of homelessness in Southern Oregon. In 2005, Jackson County’s Homeless Task Force asked me to join their efforts-by creating imagery-that would help increase the community’s awareness of a impoverished, marginalized, and often ostracized population. My response was this series of photos taken on the streets, and at military compounds.
Loyal. 2008, photo by Lisa Byrne
In 5 years, this collection has traveled throughout the Rogue Valley. It’s been displayed in public buildings, art galleries, and at regional forums. This week I was notified there will be another presentation-at the Medford Public Library on November 16th from 1-4 PM. Several new, previously unseen images will be added. This event is organized by an SOU student as a part of their curriculum, and additional work is being presented by students of an Eagle Point school.
Ambrose 2008. photo by Lisa Byrne
I will post details, images, and information on this page as I have it.
Thank you for your participation!
Sincerely,
Lisa.
David. 2005, photo by Lisa Byrne
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Homelessness in the USA as defined by Wickipedia
*National Coalition for the Homeless has extensive fact sheets to download. Arm yourself with accurate information!
- Under the Bridge 2005, photo by Lisa Byrne
