Over the past 6 weeks, students in Chute Middle School's Advanced Media Arts class have explored themes of social justice and personal identity through a PhotoVoice project. Now the work of these young artists, depicting issues of immigration, racism, human rights, gun violence and other subjects, will be on display at the Evanston Public Library from May 24 through June 30th. KIDS Global Network, Inc. and Evanston Public Library partnered with Chute Media Arts teacher Sherri Kushner to bring PhotoVoice to the students. PhotoVoice is an internationally recognized participatory photography method in which the participants use cameras to document their lives and share their experiences; it is used in libraries and schools worldwide. This is the second PhotoVoice project to be displayed at the Library. 

“It has been a joy to work with Sherri Kushner and the students at Chute!  The students have done a great job expressing themselves about social justice issues through photography," said Ann Covode of KIDS Global Network. 

"Through this partnership we are able to provide another avenue for the perspectives of Evanston teens to be shared," said Renee Neumeier, Young Adult Services Supervisor, Evanston Public Library. 

The community is invited to a reception on Thursday, May 24, from 6-7:30 pm in the Teen Loft at the Main Library to celebrate the work of these young artists. Their work will be displayed on the 2nd floor landing of the Main Library until June 4 and from June 5 to June 30 the work can be viewed in the Teen Loft. 

(Photo by: Mariana Shevick)