You’re listening to Viz City, KLCC’s Arts Review program. I’d like to introduce photographer Jon Christopher Meyers and his very special project:
"I’ve been working with the ARC of Lane County for the last four years on a project that is titled, “Dreams Without Limits.” This pop-up that’s happening on Friday is part of the Second Friday Art Walk in Springfield is an exhibition of the prints for the upcoming book that’s going to be released with the same title. "
The art and the book showcases people with disabilities and illustrates through fine art photography that they can have very normal lives, that they can have dreams and aspirations and live a very high quality life. You can pre-order it at the pop-up on Friday.
"We photographed about thirty-five individuals for this project, and they were all done in studio with a very simple white background, really looking for each individual’s personality to really shine through. "
As this project began, Jon photographed children with disabilities with their families, then it grew to include teens and adults with disabilities with job coaches and employers.
"One of the shoots that really stands out for me was one individual named Casey, and he works at the Grocery Outlet. And his manager, Woody, came in with him; and the pride and the joy in his eyes of having a job and having something worthwhile to do, and then also the pride and joy of seeing his employer appreciate the fact that he’s got a job, was really special, and the connection between the two of them was really, really strong."
That photo has been enlarged to three feet by four feet. You can see it and other photos from this stunning collection this Friday, March 8, 5:30--8:00 pm at ARC Lane County’s Twin River Training Center at 505 S. A Street in Springfield as part of the Second Friday Art Walk.
Viz City is co-produced by Terry Way and Sandy Brown Jensen.