March 15, 2012  Dear Friends-I will be speaking briefly at this event-please come down and say hello! 

“Portraits of Disconnection”, a photo exhibit on homelessness in the RogueValley by Lisa Byrne, is on exhibit now through the month of May at the Ashland Branch Library. A reception is being hosted by the Ashland Branch Library and the Jackson County Homeless Task Force on Wednesday, March 28, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., in the Gresham Room of the Ashland Branch Library, 410 Siskiyou Boulevard.  

Ashland Mayor John Stromberg will give the opening remarks.

The Jackson County Housing Authority commissioned Ms. Bryne to take photos of homeless people in the Rogue Valley in order to shed light on the homeless issue in this area. She wanted to create a public “face” for the least visible members of our community – those struggling daily against the devastating effects of poverty and homelessness. She invites the public to take a few moments to meet Diana, Margery, Les, Rick, Yesinia, Marvin and Marty, David, Little Feather, and all the others who graciously allowed her, a complete stranger, to photograph them on the street, under bridges, in tents, at food kitchens, inside trailers, and on back porches where they sleep.

For more information, please call the Ashland Branch Library at  541-774-6996

http://www.co.jackson.or.us/News.asp?NewsID=2136   .

March 4, 2012 Portraits of Disconnection Collection: coming to  Jackson County Library in Ashland, Oregon. Details to be posted soon!

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

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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!