Parish Kitchen Gallery

Inspired by a project sponsored by Catholic Charities in Chicago, the Parish Kitchen recently provided several guests with disposable cameras and invited them to take pictures that express their vision of the world. The Photo Project began in mid October 2008, when the cameras were distributed during a short class in picture taking basics, given by Joe Stoner, a professional photographer. The guests were asked to take their pictures by Halloween. Seven guests returned cameras to the Kitchen. In mid-November the photographers, Mr. Stoner, and members of the Parish Kitchen Board and staff met to review the photos and select three from each set to be enlarged, framed and displayed in the Kitchen. At this gathering, the pride the guests took in their work was evident, as was the quality of the pictures they had taken. In January an exhibit of 21 photographs was hung in the Parish Kitchen.

The primary purpose of the Photo Project is to give the participants a sense of accomplishment and a way to share their lives. Each participating guest receives a set of pictures. The pictures currently on display in the Kitchen include beautiful renderings of the Cincinnati skyline, the riverfront, andNorthern Kentucky neighborhoods. Pictures taken in the Kenton County Library and the courtyard of the Parish Kitchen convey the importance of these places in the lives of the guests. The exhibitwill remain on display until spring, when guests will be invited to take part in the second Photo Project. A Parish Kitchen supporter provided funds for the first project. We plan to seek funding so that the Parish Kitchen Photo Project becomes an annual event.