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Milligan College, Tenn. (April 7, 2008) — Photography by the children of migrant farm workers and Appalachian families will be displayed at Milligan College in McMahan Student Center’s Sub 7 Gallery beginning April 26 through May 3. The opening reception will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 26. Many of the youth photographers will be in attendance.
The photographs were taken by youth between the ages of 11-17 who are participating in “ Growing Tennessee: Rural Youth Cultivate Common Ground , ” a cross cultural photography project sponsored by Telamon Corporation with funds from The Office of Head Start and Tennessee Arts Commission. Olympus donated digital cameras and memory cards to the program. Milligan College professor Alice Anthony and her students provided instruction and support to the young photographers, who are mentored by various East Tennessee artists.
“This project has been so rewarding for everyone involved,” said Anthony. “It has been a great experience for me personally as I have watched these young people grow in their knowledge and understanding of photography. Their confidence has increased, and they are enthusiastic about being able to show to others their personal vision of the world in which they live. The college students who help with the project have been great examples for the young photographers.”
Founded in 1965, Telamon provides employment and training services, early childhood programs, housing and other initiatives in 11 states. Since 1995 Telamon has been the sole provider of migrant and seasonal head start services in Tennessee . The children and families of migrant and seasonal agricultural workers receive education, nutrition, health and social services at five childcare centers across the state.
“Through nurturing relationships with the instructors, youth from diverse backgrounds are developing artistic skills, increasing cross cultural understanding and preparing for higher education,” said Jane Crowe, program development coordinator for Telamon.
“Growing Tennessee : Rural Youth Cultivate Common Ground ” is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee , the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.