I’ve always been a huge advocate of using art and design to change the world in a positive light. About five years ago I met an incredible artist. The way she spoke through photography captured me. Not only are her images visually amazing but also each one told its own story.
Ali Lauren Jacobs grew up on the south side of Chicago. After studying studio art and photography at Wheaton College, she moved to South Africa to pursue creativity and its influence on urban poverty. She set up a photography program at a drug rehabilitation center for teenage boys to give them an opportunity to share their story through their own pictures, and to improve their writing skills. In 2006 she began working at a home for young men called Beth Uriel (meaning ‘House of Light’). Here she worked with the guys on creating income by generating the clothing label “Me’kasi”, teaching drawing classes and participating in family life (www.bethuriel.co.za).
Ali currently lives in Cape Town as a full time volunteer and artist. She has dreams of traveling to other African countries with her camera for documentary work. Photography is a powerful tool of expression and can be a form of social change.
Ali would like to set up a photography program in the farming town of Tulbagh, using creativity to bridge racial differences and encourage a dialog within the community. However, she recently returned to Indiana to honor her grandfathers passing, and needs to raise funds to return to Cape Town. Hence the exhibition was born.
This exhibition (Woven Light) is a combination of photographs and paintings inspired by everyday life in South Africa and Mozambique. All artwork will be for sale and the funds raised will be used to support Ali and her return to Tulbagh.
Please come and see her amazing work and show your support. A reception will take place on Sunday, July 18 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the Community Arts Center. The C.A.C. is located at 13300 Lincoln Plaza, Unit #1, in Cedar Lake, IN. Everyone is welcome.
Wow, great story! Thanks for sharing it and the beautiful photos!
You should come and hear what she wants to do in Talbaugh. It will blow you away.
Our festival is looking for artists who are interested in sharing their work during the day. The event features music from noon to 10pm. We’d love to help round out the experience with area artists for patrons to enjoy and potentially purchase. Hope it’s okay to share the info on this site. Find info at http://www.3in1Fest.com.
Thanks for the info. I’ll pass it along to Ali.
Alles van die beste
Okumhlophe!!!
I just came back from the show and I was amazed by the work. While the images on the site are wonderful, they do not compare to the actual works. I am glad that I took the time to go to the C.A.C. and view the work.
I agree with Rahsaan. The photos here just don’t compare to the actual work and its presentation. I’m glad I went today to check out art that’s moving for positive change. Ali is a talented photographer and painter, and I wish her well as she continues to use her art in such a honest way.
The CAC is a very cool place indeed.
I agree as well, I was shocked at the amount of work as well as all of the real hand crafted quality that went into each piece. Congrats to Ali!!
Here are the pieces I brought home with me:
http://twitpic.com/26ljmd
http://twitpic.com/26ljmf
http://twitpic.com/26ljmj
Thanks to everyone for coming out!
AG
WOW. That’s all I can say about the love and support. The art show raised enough funds for Ali to get back home to Cape Town and fund her project in Tulbagh. Thank you to all who came out to the show!
Great work sis. All the best. Hope to see you soon