January 7, 2008

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--Sumter County High, Livingston Junior High and Sumter Academy students for the past several months have been photographing images of their daily lives for the 100 Lenses Project, a joint effort of the Black Belt Community Foundation and the University of Alabama’s Center for Community Based Partnerships.

Students in seventh through eleventh grades were given point-and-shoot cameras and told to capture the culture and conditions of their communities. Project organizers left the subject matter open to the students, telling them to shoot whatever was meaningful to them. From nature scenes to family life and religious images, the subject matter varied from student to student. Sumter County students have helped to develop the model of this project that will be carried out in 11 other Black Belt counties.
 

The photos will be displayed Jan. 17 through March 1 at the University of West Alabama. In addition, works from Sumter County glass artist Linda Munoz, who created artwork inspired by the students' photography, will be on display. Retired UWA professor Dr. Richard Buckner will also have his photographs of “The Flora and Fauna of the Black Belt” exhibited as well.
 

The opening reception for “Black Belt 100 Lenses: Sumter County Photography Exhibition” will be held Thursday, Jan. 17 from 4-6 p.m. at UWA’s Webb Hall Gallery. The exhibit is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. until March 1.