Travelling photography exhibition pays tribute to community-minded York Region residents

YorkRegion.com
Aug. 13, 2014
By Marney Beck

Aurora residents have until Sept. 19 to admire the Portraits of Giving exhibit at the Aurora Public Library.

The unique travelling photographic presentation, created by Karen Merk of Merk Photography, celebrates people in our communities who reach beyond their busy lives to give to others.

It is where professional photography meets warm, personal stories. It is a heartwarming exhibit that celebrates people with a passion for giving from across York Region.

The theme for the fifth annual exhibition is: A lifestyle of Giving Back.

It’s a photographic tribute to Newmarket residents Robert Horst, Jackie Playter and Maria Racco; Aurora residents Tim Jones and Marc Neeb; Richmond Hill’s Corrine Griffiths and Marj Andre; Georgina’s Jennifer Anderson; Vaughan’s John Amendola; and from Markham, Royson Ng.

Merk, an award-winning York Region photographer, was personally inspired by people across York Region who contribute their time and resources to the benefit of others. The exhibition celebrates people in the community who give back for the right reasons and don’t want to be in a spotlight.

She developed the concept for Portraits of Giving and has produced and organized the exhibit for the past five years.

Merk invited Oak Ridges writer, Melony Teague, to contribute the touching stories behind the acts of giving of 10 more York Region people, adding another dimension to this photography exhibit.

“It was a privilege to write the biographies for this year’s participants and each one inspired me by the ways they gave back and by their motivation for doing so. Each one was different and it taught me that wherever you are and whatever you do, you can make a difference in your community, if you choose to do so,” said Teague, also a member of The Liberal’s Community Links advisory group.

Portraits of Giving travels to four towns each year: Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill and Markham and, for the first time, will travel to a Vaughan this fall.

The exhibit has expanded to include one opening reception at Upper Canada Mall and a printed book. The Portraits of Giving charity partner for a second year is the Character Community Foundation of York Region.

TOUR DATES:

• Aug. 18 to Sept. 19: Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge St., Aurora
• Sept. 29 to Oct. 10: York Regional headquarters, Great Hall, 17250 Yonge St., Newmarket
• Oct. 13 to Oct. 23: Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan
• Nov. 3 to 14: Markham Civic Centre, Great Hall, 101 Town Centre Blvd, Markham.

To learn more about Portraits of Giving and to follow the exhibit as it tours York Region, visit merkphotography.com