Everyone living in Galesburg should be able to see themselves in this project, either because their own portrait is included, or, because they see people with whom they identify in sufficient numbers for them to say, “That’s us.” Railroad people. Teachers. Roofers. Policemen. College students. Moms, dads and kids. Retirees. Et cetera. That’s a significant part of the goal.
In order to reach that goal, I need some help.
I have not yet connected with former Maytag workers or veterans. A friend of mine tells me that to really represent either of these groups there should be someone on a Harley —the only sound that seems as prevalent as train whistles in Galesburg. If you have a family member, friend or neighbor who fits that description please encourage them to send me a photo (galesburgportraits@gmail.com, or, drop off a photo at the Box, on Kellogg at Simmons).
I’m also a little short on 30 somethings and men. Surprise! Most of the people who contribute images are women. Without their inclusion of husbands and boyfriends, Galesburg might have been misidentified as the source of the legend of the Amazons.
Some people who have been very supportive of the project have sent images of friends—and I really appreciate their support— but, in order for me to have permission to use images, pictures need come from the person in the picture. Further, because my aim is to represent all of Galesburg I will need more pictures than I can actually use so that I can achieve a representative balance.
Progress report.
106 of 290 paintings completed.
219 of 320 photos needed