Stuck in Vermont 32: The Identity Project

6/18/07: The Identity Project is a show of photographs and oral history interviews on display throughout June at the Metro Gallery in Burlington's City Hall. The artwork was created by homeless and at-risk youth and this show gives the community a rare glimpse into their world.

Spectrum Health and Family Services and the Community Health Center of Burlington joined forces to bring you this exhibit. Both organizations provide a sense of family, security and support to youth who often have no where else to turn.

Sammie, one of the artists, has been on the street since he was 15 yrs old and is not sure what may have become of him without the food, shelter, clothes, and friendship that Spectrum has to offer.

Lizzy carries a doll named "Jaded Jenny" around with her everywhere she goes. She says that Jenny gets a lot of stares and this is a good thing because, "Everyone should be noticed."

The Identity Project is in its third year bringing these artist's voices, talents and identities into the public spotlight. Brian Plisko from Spectrum and Colleen Dwyer from CHCB are the main organizers of the co-sponsored event.

The Identity Project is up at Metro Hall through June 29. There is an opening reception this Thursday, June 21st from 4-7pm. You can meet the artists and the staff and find out more about what you can do to help.

The photos can be purchased for $20/each, half of which goes into the artist's pocket (Lizzy is hoping to buy her mom a birthday present) and half of which goes to the programs which benefit these artists.

Featured: http://www.spectrumvt.org/ http://www.communityhealthcenterburlington.org/

Music: The Breaking In, Darkness Has Taken Hold Again, "Dark Winter"
http://www.myspace.com/thebreakingin
Casey Rae Hunter's band, The Contrarian, "Soft Rock One" off Soft Rock http://www.myspace.com/caseythecontrarian

Location: City Hall, Burlington Vermont

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• homeless
• art
• photography
• youth
• identity
• project
• spectrum
• community
• health
• teens
• burlington
• stuck
• vermont
• seven
• days

[Suzbekistan]

Can I only buy photos at the opening reception, or can I buy one when I get to VT...after the 27th? Thanks Eva! Suzy

[StuckinVermont]

Suzy, the exhibit will be up through June 29th! Stop by and sign up for a pic anytime before that!

[FopeDarmer]

haha wtf i love drugs.

[FopeDarmer]

god that dudes anoying, he has parents. they all have loving parents. this is cool and all but for fucks sake.

[Treefingers802]

so many photos in this are mine! I had no idea this video was made years ago. It is so strange to see my face in a photo in a youtube video i had no idea existed. They show so many of my photos in this! :)

[twinkieboi1984]

It's me Sammie!! Just wanted to let everyone know that if they wish to purchase prints after the show ends June 29th I can be reached through Brian at Spectrum. Thanks for all the support!

Much Love!

[msjvariety]

I have been homeless in my early life. Thanks for doing this piece. It brings it crashing back, and gives me the perspective to do what I can.

I am not ALWAYS an assole. I just play one on tv.

Stech

[StuckinVermont]

Yes, thanks Mark!

[Suzbekistan]

Thanks Mark, for your help, and the help you give to others! I can't wait to be in VT again! Suzy