Reception: Wednesday, August 4, 5-7 PM

The Care Center is a GED prep school for teen mothers in Holyoke, MA. Based on a traditional prep school model, our internationally recognized non profit provides transportation, counseling, nursing, childcare, and a dynamic education to pregnant and parenting teens. Teacher Ezra Parzybok coordinates the art program.

Photos

Since 2003 The Care Center has been collaborating with Hampshire College on a photography class taught by Hampshire students at the their state of the art photo building. We focus primarily in the studio, developing lighting techniques, composition, and most importantly, becoming comfortable expressing ourselves in front of and behind the lens. By the end of each two hour class, I often have to drag the students out of the studio and it has become one of our most popular elective classes, both for our students and for the Hampshire photo students who receive community credits for teaching the class. Jeremy Felson and Mim Shafer are the Hampshire students who brought this work to life.

Flower Sculptures

In our small art room at the Care Center we practice varied art forms from painting to lamp-making, and through these; confidence building. Turning a spool of wire into an intricate flower is a daunting task. Each step of the way is an exercise in faith, patience, and creative problem solving. After weeks of wire sculpting, papier maché, and painting the end result is visual proof of both individuality creativity and emotional confidence.