Uganda: A River Blue

Reception: March 4, 6:30-8:30PM

Exhibition: February 5-March 31, 2010

AnastasiaPhoto is located at 166 Orchard Street, New York, New York.

From the press release:

“AnastasiaPhoto is pleased to present the first solo exhibition by photographer David Wright: A photographic collaboration with the NGO, A River Blue.

These luminous works were made over two months in northern Uganda where A River Blue is located. The photos depict a school that is funded by the charitable organization A River Blue in a formerly internally displaced persons camp, as well as images of the citizens and landscapes of the surrounding village of Alebtong. This series of photographs was recently selected as 1 of 3 winners in the 2009 Conscientious Portfolio Competition.”

Additionally:

A beautiful A River Blue catalogue designed by Josh Gomby and printed by Booksmart Studio in an edition of 250 will be released at the opening reception. It will be available for purchase through donation (any amount — your choice) and 100% of the proceeds go to A River Blue. Support A River Blue and take home a memorable piece of the exhibition. The picture below is of the booklet cover.

The opening reception and exhibition are open to the public. We encourage you to bring friends, family, and colleagues, and learn about A River Blue, northern Uganda, and AnastasiaPhoto.

Powerful. Make sure you watch the entire video.

Maya Lin – Unchopping a Tree.

Richard Oculi was a wonderful goat shepard and agricultural worker at A River Blue, the non-profit I worked with in northern Uganda. He was a great, gentle man and was always willing to help without being asked. I was informed that Richard recently passed away due to a supposed chronic lung infection.

Richard, you will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.

Richard, Alebtong, Uganda, 2009

Haitian President Rene Preval has said thousands of people are feared dead following a huge quake which has devastated the country’s capital. UN chief Ban Ki-moon said the head of the UN mission in Haiti and his deputy were among more than 100 staff missing.

The 7.0-magnitude quake, Haiti’s worst in two centuries, struck south of Port-au-Prince, on Tuesday. The Red Cross says up to three million people are affected.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has suffered a number of recent disasters, including four hurricanes and storms in 2008 that killed hundreds.

(via BBC)

Make a donation to the Red Cross — all amounts help.

“A man helped an injured person after the quake. Haiti, by far the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, has been beset by natural disasters for most of its recent history.” Photo credit: Tequila Minsky for The New York Times)

A remarkable, simple idea with the potential for great success. I love advertising of this nature.

About the campaign:

“Recently, local businesses in Portland, Maine, helped us launch an ad campaign that cost absolutely nothing. That’s right. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Sure, a big, expensive campaign could have gotten our name out there. But at what cost? See, it’s thinking like this that helps us give 82 cents of every dollar spent directly to the people who need it most. Like our fellow northern New Englanders in need of food, shelter, rehabilitation, elderly services…even disaster assistance. Now more than ever, it’s important to make every dollar count. It’s nice to know The Salvation Army of Northern New England is committed to “Doing The Most Good” with your donations.”

See more here.

The Bakery Photo Collective is a truly amazing not-for-profit self-service darkroom facility located in Westbrook , Maine. I’m a big fan and supporter of the BPC, Scott, and his crew. Right now their annual Photo-A-Go-Go event is taking a place and they need your support.

I know you have an beautiful photograph on your harddrive or a lovely print somewhere in a box that’s waiting to be donated. By donating a print you receive 20 free hours to use their facilities. Yes, I said 20 free hours. I’m mailing a framed print of this image tomorrow:

What are you sending? Support BPC!

More info about Photo-A-Go-Go:

Each December, the Bakery Photographic Collective hosts its annual fundraiser, Photo-A-Go-Go.  One of Southern Maine’s most anticipated events, Photo-A-Go-Go is a silent auction featuring works from established and emerging photographers at incredible prices. Members, interns and photographers from all over the country donate framed photographic prints that are displayed for viewing and sold via the silent auction.  Arguably the largest photo exhibition in the state of Maine, the fundraiser has continued to be a huge success and has allowed the collective to thrive and provide a reliable photographic resource to its members, interns and the Southern Maine photographic community.