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October 10, 2006
Photo exhibit gives sobering reminder of Katrina toll
As many students wandered up the stairs of the GLC last week, they could not help but notice the broad collection of photographs scattered throughout the lobby area. The pictures of devastation, destruction, captured the severity of Hurricane Katrina’s demolition down in New Orleans.
The artist, Jennifer Kramer, created a goal for herself: she set out to directly help the hurricane survivors. After hearing about a mission trip down to New Orleans, she said she could not imagine a better opportunity.
On Nov. 18 of 2005, 24 volunteers met in a parking lot in Minnesota and followed a 26-foot truck loaded with food and supplies to New Orleans.
In the beginning, Kramer had no intention of actually creating a photo story. However, after being hooked up with a digital camera and the perfect opportunity to snap a few photos of her discoveries, the story just fell into place.
Hamline students Lurelia Freeman and Tony Wilson organized and put on the exhibit. Running from Sept.25 to Oct. 6, it drew many onlookers and made a welcome exhibit in the gallery.
Most Americans are aware of the catastrophe in Louisiana; however, Kramer was able to capture the ruins in a way that stimulated Hamline’s student body.
Photographs of light poles ready to fall dangerously to the ground and homes featuring a number spray painted on the front, indicating the number of bodies found inside, are some of the powerful images portrayed throughout the room.
Not only did the exhibit feature photographs of the destruction and chaos currently occurring in New Orleans, but it also featured the optimism and hope that was brought into the community. Pictures including volunteers cleaning up rubbish and interacting with the victims were also brought to people’s attention.
“On day four we opened the doors to the church to welcome residents to the relief center. Each family gets two buckets: one filled with food and one filled with cleaning supplies,” said Kramer underneath one of her photos.
Under each of the pictures is a short statement from the artist. Every one of the pieces was placed on a plaque resembling a notebook, creating the illusion of it being from the artist’s personal journal. This detail wrapped up Kramer’s idea of a photo story and left viewers with a way to discover some of the thoughts behind the pictures.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with the Huricane Katrina relief efforts is welcome to join in on the fundraising committee; it meets in the Student Center on Thursdays at 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Office of Service Learning and Volunteerism at x2483.
Posted by dwright at October 10, 2006 10:28 PM
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