Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Velcro to Present: Through Our Eyes ‘100 Cameras Exhibit’ at Yard of Ale

MOUNT MORRIS – To experience the passion and joy of photography is gift for all but over this summer, thanks to the Arc of Livingston Wyoming and Velcro, 12 local individuals with significant developmental disabilities were provided the opportunity to capture the world as they see it through the medium of photography, as part of the nationwide 100 Cameras Project.
On Wednesday, November 18th, this unique band of artists will present their original photographic artwork that was taken over the summer for the first time at The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming/VELCRO “100 Cameras Exhibit,” to be held 5:00-7:00pm at the Yard of Ale, 3226 Genesee Street in Piffard.
“These aspiring photographers have varying degrees of disabilities,” explains Arc of Livingston-Wyoming Habilitation Coordinator Mary Coniglio, who introduced the nationwide program to the local agency. “Through the 100 Cameras Project, they are able to explore an art-form that for many, up until this project, has not been physically or monetarily accessible.”
Participants in the 100 Cameras Project include individuals who attend The Arc’s Day Habilitation and Seniors programs in Mount Morris.
The 100 Cameras Project’s mission is to put 100 modified camera systems into the hands of 100 people with disabilities ranging from Autism to Down syndrome to Alzheimer’s to Cerebral Palsy, throughout the U.S., bringing the vision of these new photographers to life.
The effort was started by award winning photographer and filmmaker Courtney Bent following the success of her 2009 documentary film Shooting Beauty.  Shooting Beauty is the story of an aspiring fashion photographer (Bent), whose career takes a life-changing turn when she finds true beauty at a day program for individuals with disabilities in Watertown, MA.

The 100 Cameras Project is underwritten nationally by VELCRO Brand.  Local costs were covered by The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming Foundation, and the local initiative is expected to continue in 2016 through a grant from Livingston Arts.
The 100 Cameras Exhibit is free and open to the public.  Highlights will include a silent auction and light hors d’oeuvres.  To attend, please RSVP to Mary Coniglio at (585) 755-6840 or mconiglio@lwarc.org.