“ExtraOrdinary Beauty” Exhibit at The University of Denver Women’s Center April 9- May 31, 2010

Last Fall I had the great privilege of flying to Northern Uganda to spend 9 days with the Women and Children of Women’s Global Empowerment Fund’s microfinance program. It was literally the most inspiring and empowering trip of my life (to date.) On the day of my arrival in Gulu in late September, I went to the main school yard in the village and photographed over 300 women in the program performing songs, dances, and monologues about the importance of education, community and more. The days following this event I spent conducting one on one interviews with 3 women in the program and visiting the local markets and community centers to experience life in post-conflict Gulu. I was and still am so thoroughly in awe of the passion and beauty of these people. Though they’ve experienced great sadness and loss due to the horrific atrocities performed by the Lord’s Resistance Army in the region, I left my travels inspired and empowered.

In April of this year, I shared my experience in Gulu through my Exhibit at the University of Denver’s Women’s College titled, “ExtraOrdinary Beauty”. I partnered with Artist Jessica Deugan to create mixed medium pieces to display the photographs from my trip. The Exhibit was to give visitors a unique sensory experience that allowed them to experience the beauty, power and humility of the Northern Ugandan. My photos were fixed to worn teal colored wood that shared a bit of my journaling from my travels. Jessica and I also created a path of light, lit by candles in glass votives, to light the way as guests learned the stories of the women and children of the region. The Event had wonderful press in the Denver Post as well as a live interview on the local talk show, “Colorado & Company“, + there was a wonderful turn out at the opening of the Exhibit with over a 100 people in attendance. Check out my interview on “Colorado and Company” below, + I’ve included a few of the stories and photos that appeared in the Exhibit. Also check out photos by Nathan Jenkins of the creation of the Exhibit; thank you again Nathan!

Enjoy!

Click on the image below to view my Interview on Colorado & Co.