Can images and text representing “the other” improve discourse within a community, augment commitment to place, and strengthen participation in key decisions? In the tradition of social-activist photography, The Way to Wanakena explores such questions, inviting audiences to imagine ways to deepen a community's capacity to work together for the common good.
The Way to Wanakena is a photodocumentary thesis project on the concept of community in the Adirondack hamlet of Wanakena, New York, by Kristin V. Rehder, a graduate student in Skidmore's master of arts in liberal studies program. Through photographic portraits and interviews, the artist investigates how community is lived, sustained, and contested in this small, yet diverse village.
There will be a reception and gallery talk with the artist on Thursday, October 18, at 5:30 p.m.
The Way to Wanakena was originally on view at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Ranger School, Wanakena, New York, September 1–September 30, as part of the Ranger School’s centennial. The project has been supported by the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College, the Skidmore MALS program, especially the Helene and Frank Crohn Scholarship, and the SUNY-ESF Ranger School. The artist extends a special thanks to the residents of Wanakena for their enthusiastic support. More on the project can be found at thewaytowanakena.com.
©2013 Tang Teaching Museum.