The “We’re from Around Here: Appalachia Through Women’s Lens” exhibit, hosted at the Tipton Gallery, began on January 30 and will continue until Friday, February 28. The exhibition examines the rich and diverse culture of Appalachia through the lens of female photographers from the region. Led by Amber Farley and Katie Sheffield, the showcase focuses on connection and home within Appalachia.
“The emphasis is about self-representation and portrait photography about people. They wanted to show how they see Appalachia through their own experience.” Karlota Contreras-Koterbay, Director of Slocumb Galleries, mentioned.
Appalachia is a vast, diverse region that spans over 206,000 square miles, covering 423 counties across Mississippi to New York. While the area is comprised of around 26.4 million individuals alongside members of many Native American Tribal communities, the people of Appalachia have historically been negatively stereotyped.
The exhibition showcases the work of eight different photographers: Ashleigh Coleman, Amber Dawn Farley, Amanda Greene, Brittany Greeson, Sarah Hoskins, Pamela Pecchio, Tamara Reynolds, and Katie Sheffield. These artists create visual narratives that focus on transcending the simplistic perceptions of Appalachia, showing the communities and connections found in the sector.
“Women are often the subject of the lens, but this time they are behind it. It’s a different experience with different social expectations. There’s a different emotional vulnerability shown by women photographers.” Koterbay shares.
“We’re from Around Here: Appalachia Through Women’s Lens” provides a fresh perspective on the locality of Appalachia. Through centering the voices of the Appalachian women, the exhibit challenges outdated narratives, celebrating the strength, creativity and resilience of a community that has been long misunderstood.
The exhibit is open for public viewing on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 7 P.M. with extended hours on receptions and by appointment.
