“Children of Children,
Portraits and Stories of Teenage Parents”
By Michael Nye
October 19 – November 10, 2007
3rd Friday Reception, 6-9pm 10/19
RRCA, 22 N. High Street, Glasstown Arts District, Millville, NJ 08332
Admission is free to the RRCA. Hours T-Th 11- 5pm; Fri 11-8pm; Sat 11-7pm; Sun 11-4pm
The RRCA is featuring "Children of Children: Stories and Portraits of Teenage Parents" by renown photographer, Michael Nye. This traveling exhibition is sponsored by the Cumberland County Human Services Advisory Council. There will be 50 black & white portraits with recorded narratives of the subjects ranging in age from 12 to 100. This show is specifically designed for middle and high school aged students. Please go to www.riverfrontcenter.org to learn about the workshops being held in conjunction with this exhibition.
Cumberland County has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in New Jersey. While the rate in the state is declining, Cumberland County’s teen pregnancy is growing. Among the nation’s 458 counties, Cumberland County, NJ is 25th in proportion of teen births to total births. In 2004, over 17% of all births were to teens.
The Children of Children exhibit will in no way condemn, condone, or romanticize teenage pregnancy. It will however provide its viewers with an inside look into the lives of those affected by teen pregnancy. This exhibit is both a work of art and an exploration of a critical social issue.
“I was 14 when I got pregnant. I’m 17 now and wonder will I ever be able to buy things for my daughter, get a driver’s license, or pay my bills.”
This is an excerpt from one story included in Children of Children. Each story in this compelling exhibit will provide viewers with insight on the many effects of teenage pregnancy. The intent of this unique learning opportunity is to open our eyes to the impact teenage pregnancy has on oneself, one’s family, and our communities. The voices of the individuals in the portraits draw you in, not by telling you what you should not do, but by simply describing how their lives were affected by a teen pregnancy.
Student tours can be scheduled by calling Nancy at 856-453-7862. FamCare will facilitate discussions of teen sexuality for teens and parents: girls: 10/14 7-8:30pm; boys 11/7 7-8:30pm; parents 11/1, 7-8:30pm at the RRCA. Call Kathryn at 856-451-3339 for info and to register. Portraits of Teen Mothers at the RRCA on 11/3 and 11/10 from 10-2pm. Teen parents are invited to bring their children to the RRCA for a free formal family portrait by photographer Reid Strait. Appts must be scheduled with Kathryn at 856-451-3339. “Unequal Partners: Teaching about Power and Consent in Adult-Teen and other Relationships” Co-sponsored by the Cumberland County Sexual Assualt Program, this 3-hour workshop is conducted by Planned Parenthood of North Jersey. 10/30, 1-4pm, $12.50 materials fee. Info call Claire Riley 856-825-6810 x259.
Creatively Photographing People workshop with Bill Horin, 10/27, 11-2pm $40 Register: 856-327-4500.
Children of Children opens on October 19, 3rd Friday reception in Millville’s Glasstown Arts District. Steve Testa and friends will be playing jazz. Multi-talented Mr. Testa will also be exhibiting his work in the Atrium Space.
The Main Gallery features work from the New Jersey Chapter, American Artists Professional League. RRCA's Associate Artists' Mike Cagno and Jimmy Miller are in the Alcove.
Lakeside School students will be showing their Hero Scarecrow displays in the 2nd floor studio.
RRCA studio artist open their doors for tours and talks from 6-9pm. Third Friday Sponsors are Mark Giberson and Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries.
See you on High Street!!
The Carley Foundation
General Mills Foundation
Vision Statement
To Promote and utilize the arts as the catalyst for cultural and economic revitalization of the region.
Mission Statement
To advance the center as the focal point for cultural, educational, and artistic enrichment and create a sense of community; while positively impacting the economic vitality of the Millville Glasstown Arts District.
Students are asked to confront questions and issues concerning teen pregnancy. This is part of the outreach by Cumberland County Human Services Advisory Council, FAMCare, North Jersey Plannned Parenthood partnering with the RRCA. Children of Children, Portraits and Stories of Teenage Parents is a multimedia traveling exhibition by photographer Michael Nye. The exhibit is a collection of stories of men and women ranging in age from 12 to 100 whose lives have been affected by teenage pregnancy. Approxmately 20 schools in Cumberland County have scheduled visits for students from 4th grade through 12th. Each class takes about 45 minutes listening to the voices of people in the photographs. As they stare into the picture, the glass reflects their image back to them. One class was very animated, talking to one another about the stories they had heard and taking their friends to see the photograghs. Most groups listen intently to the stories in total silence. Then with their teacher and the facilitator (with counseling background) , they get together for a discussion on the exhibition and its related topics. The discussion includes drug abuse and having enough education. The discussion turns to how a teen's social life will be altered along with parents and friends. Students are asked what profession or job they would like to have. They think about how having a baby would curtail their future plans
