On Saturday, I had the distinct pleasure of exhibiting my portrait art at the Adoption Community of New England‘s annual conference. The conference is the nation’s largest single-day gathering on the subject. And the conference is unique in it’s breadth, reaching professionals, adoptive parents, adopted people, and birth parents–and inclusive of domestic, international, private, and public adoptions. Hooray for ACONE!
In my pre-motherhood and pre-photography business days, I worked in child welfare and once presented at this very conference. Adoption is also a personal matter to me–I was adopted when I was just three weeks old. The very window in which I am so often holding and photographing newborns is, in my own life, a complete unknown to me (although I rest assured I was in the care of a loving foster family). I have two brothers who both joined our family through adoption. In my grown-up life, I am reunited with my birth family and very close to my birth mother, her husband, and their extended family. I am so proud of my parents and family–we are deeply fortunate and grateful to be able to share our adoption experience as one of connection and love.
This was my first endeavor at mixing my personal/photographic/previous-profession, but sure not to be the last. What fun! I met some wonderful families, many of whom were quick to pop out their phones and show me gorgeous pictures of their adorable kiddos. Hopefully, some of these little folks will soon be gracing this very blog (they were super cute, so I really hope their parent hire me)!!
I also met some awesome fellow exhibitors and entrepreneurs, whose lovely handiworks are included in my blog board below. Please, take a visit to Gina’s cards and painting at Paint 4 Ethiopia, Maureen’s artisan crafted adoption banners and onesies at Twenty Birds, and Julie’s inspiring t-shirts at Peace Tree Apparel. Each combines motherhood, arts, and business in a way that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
And a last note… I’m pretty darn proud of my exhibit, too! My dad built the “wall” a couple of years ago for a wedding fair. Sherman refinished it last week. And it’s now covered with my favorite recent images, in frames by Wild Sorbet (which I do offer for sale here at my studio). Thanks to all for making it come together so charmingly!
1 comment