A Call Out to Asheville Residents: Photographer Jenny Bowen Announces Revival of Popular ‘Faces of Asheville’ Portrait Documentary Project

In July 2007 Jen Bowen put out the call to residents of Asheville and the surrounding community to come to her cozy home portrait studio in downtown Asheville and be a part of the “Faces of Asheville” Portrait Documentary Project. The goal was to document members of the Asheville community through portraits that exhibited each individual in an honest and provoking manner. Each participant was asked to bring an item with them, not necessarily tangible, that somehow encapsulated their personality or status in Asheville or the surrounding community. The core of the documentary’s mission is: to bring the community closer and to recognize our individual talents and local diverse beauty, to create and strengthen the bonds of friends and neighbors, to incorporate new-comers into the established appreciated local culture, to document ourselves as we wish to be remembered during this time in Asheville’s history, and to inspire people to celebrate their individuality within the community.

Bowen photographed over 100 participants when her home was burglarized and the studio destroyed. The vandals escaped with her camera and the hard-drive that held almost all of the photos.

In a display of the true character Bowen was attempting to document, the community came together and saved the project. Thanks to local media coverage by the Mountain Xpress, Asheville Citizen-Times, WLOS News, and URTV the word got out about Bowen’s loss. Donations came in from all over the city and beyond. She was also able to organize a silent auction stocked with community donations at the popular Lexington Arts Festival, raising almost $1200! Jen next applied for the Regional Artist Project Grant sponsored by local arts councils and was awarded a partial grant to help with the costs of studio set up. Though Bowen briefly considered ending the project immediately after the burglary, the community gave her the foresight to understand that she now had not only a desire, but an obligation to continue the project.

Bowen is now setting up appointments for the 2nd attempt of the “Faces of Asheville” Portrait Documentary Project. Free 30 minute portrait appointments will take place Tuesdays & Sundays from 10am-8pm January 15 thru April 1st at the Wedge Gallery and Betsalel Studios in the River Arts District. Interested participants should visit www.FacesofAsheville.com for more information and to conveniently sign up online for portrait appointments and to see portrait examples.

Bowen would ideally like to exhibit the final project in downtown Asheville for a limited engagement and community celebration in late 2008 with a second extended exhibit taking place at a central community location.
Bowen hopes to have a limited number of self-published books available at the exhibit that will encapsulate all of the participants with a few words of reflection by the artist. A copy of all portraits will be donated to the city’s historical archives. Each participant will receive a digital copy of their portrait as well that will be awarded to them as thanks at the opening exhibition community celebration. Bowen is looking for local-business sponsorship and in-kind donations to help with the exhibition. Any interested parties should contact her through the Faces of Asheville website.

For information: http://www.FacesofAsheville.com
Contact: docjen@gmail.com
Phone: 828-423-5673

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