New NHA Exhibition Visions of Her:
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www.nha.org
NANTUCKET MA: The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is pleased to announce that its third spring exhibition, Visions of Her: Portrait Photography by Nantucket Youth, will be opening to the public on Friday, May 28, in the Hadwen & Barney Candle Factory of the Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street, with an opening reception from 6 to 8 PM.
Visions of Her: Portrait Photography by Nantucket Youth features modern portraits of Nantucket women captured by teens from the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club and Nantucket High School. The photographs showcase the essence of women the young photographers admire, as well as the island itself. Bonus film interviews offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative spirit of the project.
“Visions of Her is an eloquent expression of the NHA's keen interest in collaboration and its complete confidence in the promise of island youth,” said Bill Tramposch, NHA executive director. “We are delighted to have on staff Marjan Shirzad, History Educator, who in just several short months has developed this extraordinary exhibition, which will fit so comfortably into our 2010 array of programs that honor women of Nantucket.”
Island photographer Beverly Hall—whose own photography exhibition is on display in the NHA’s Whitney Gallery, 7 Fair Street through December 31—has acted as an advisor for this collaborative venture and was happy to add, “The creative alliance of the NHA with the Boys & Girls Club provides our Nantucket youth with an opportunity to experience the historical nature of their island and her women as they themselves make history in this collaborative exhibition.”
Shirzad has been working diligently with Cory Shepherd at the Boys & Girls Club since early in the year. Her interaction with the program and the students involved has formed a mutual respect for all involved. Phyllis McInerney, Executive Director of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club was equally enthusiastic, “The Visions of Her project has captivated our community’s teens in a unique fashion. They have discovered the power of photography, which has piqued their interest in women’s history and the diligence to complete their goal.”
Shepherd added, “The young artists who worked so diligently have learned not only how to take a professional-quality portrait, but how to envision an idea, capture a moment, and see it through. On behalf of all of us at the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club, we would like to congratulate the photographers on their outstanding accomplishments, and express our deepest appreciation to the many people who made this ‘vision’ such a great success!”
An integral component of the Whaling Museum is the restored 1847 spermaceti-candle factory, which features a two-story beam press and the foundation of its original oil- processing tryworks. “This is the only candle factory anywhere in the world with its original beam press still in place,” said Tramposch. “The exposed brick walls provide a warm and striking backdrop for the students’ photos; we invite you to join us at our opening reception, and support these talented Nantucket students.”
“The Visions of Her opening night is a chance for all of us to celebrate Nantucket and the wonderfully bright and creative young people who live here,” said Shirzad. “The NHA is thrilled to have worked so closely on this project with the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club and Nantucket High School, and we cannot wait to welcome the community to the Whaling Museum on opening night.”
Visions of Her: Portrait Photography by Nantucket Youth will open to the public on Friday, May 28, in the Hadwen & Barney Candle Factory of the Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street. Free Admission. Light refreshments will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m.
The exhibition will be on display during museum hours through November 8.
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