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Because photography is a valuable component to understanding and appreciating public policy, the Public Policy Research Center inaugurated a series of special photographic exhibitions in 1978. As the Center concentrates efforts on issues of concern to the metropolitan area, the photographic displays emphasize collateral interests and have been excellent accompaniments to the overall work of the Center. The artists selected for inclusion in these exhibitions represent a broad spectrum of both established and emerging photographers, including, on occasion, students attending the University off Missouri-St. Louis.

Mel Watkin curates the PPRC gallery.

The Public Policy Research Center Gallery is located in Room 362 of the Social Sciences & Business Building at UM-St. Louis.

All exhibits are free and open to the public on weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more information and/or to arrange group tours, call (314) 516-5273.

Currently in the PPRC Gallery:

On view in the PPRC Offices Gallery Space:
"Point-of-View: Weed & Seed"

Point-of-View: Weed & Seed opened on February 19 at the PPRC Photography Project Gallery and on February 26 at the West End Mt. Carmel Outreach Center.

Weed & Seed is a national program that came to St. Louis in 1995. Since then clustered neighborhoods throughout the city have graduated from the program. The West End and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods are Weed & Seed’s current St. Louis site.

“Weeding” initiatives include enhancing law enforcement efforts, promoting community policing through a more visible police presence, setting up Neighborhood Advisory meetings and encouraging resident involvement in programs like Community Block Units, Court Watch and National Night Out. “Seeding” initiatives include prevention, intervention and treatment services, along with resources for individuals, youth and families in crisis.

In the summer of 2007, PPRC Photography Project instructor Lois Ingrum worked with children attending a summer camp at West End Mt. Carmel Community Outreach Center. Ms. Ingrum and her students focused on three aspects of their neighborhood: the positive, the negative and the possible. Lois asked the children to think in terms of “How would we LIKE it to be?”
Periodically, from 2007 – 2011, photographs taken by young participants in PPRC’s Photography Project will help evaluate positive change in two St. Louis neighborhoods, the West End and Hamilton Heights. During the summer of 2007, the children in the group photographed their neighborhood’s troubling contrasts, including whole blocks of well-tended homes next to numerous abandoned, boarded up houses with shattered windows. The images from this project will be on display in "Point-of-View: Weed & Seed."

Details:

PPRC Photography Project Gallery, University of Missouri - St. Louis
South hall, third floor, Social Science/Business Building
Info. 314-516-5273 Website: http://pprc.umsl.edu
Exhibit runs February 19 through May 18, 2008
Gallery hours: M-F, 8::00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. .

Opening Reception: February 19, noon to 1 p.m. Reception will feature Gallery talks with Photography Project Director Mel Watkin, Instructor Lois Ingrum, and Operation Weed & Seed - St. Louis Executive Director Ed Hennessey

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West End Mt. Carmel Outreach Center
5935 Horton Place, St. Louis, MO 63112
Info: 314.863.5892
Exhibit runs February 26 through May 17, 2008
Gallery hours:M, T, Th. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. W, F, Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Opening Reception: February 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Reception will feature Gallery talks with Photography Project Director Mel Watkin, Instructor Lois Ingrum, West End Mt. Carmel After School Coordinator Felicia Campbell and Operation Weed & Seed-St. Louis Executive Director Ed Hennessey

Both venues are free and open to the public.

Currently in the PPRC Photography Gallery:
“Point-of-View: Herbert Hoover Boys and Girl’s Club and Oasis"

This PPRC Photography Project was conducted in partnership with Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club and OASIS. Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club offers after-school, vacation and summer youth programs and they work to enable children (ages 6 to 18) “to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” OASIS is a national nonprofit organization founded in St. Louis, through which older adults can continue their personal growth and provide meaningful service to the community.

Working with Photography Project instructor Ron Laboray, a group of 10-12 year old children from Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club met every Saturday over a 9-week period to learn about photography. OASIS volunteers assisted with instruction and on a couple of occasions conducted intergenerational chats with the kids. The result of this collaboration was the PPRC Photography Project exhibit, "Point-of-View: Herbert Hoover Boy's and Girl's Club and Oasis".

Details:

PPRC Photography Project Gallery, University of Missouri - St. Louis
South hall, third floor, Social Science/Business Building
Info. 314-516-5273 Website: http://pprc.umsl.edu
Gallery hours: daily 6 a.m.-11p.m.

Exhibit dates: April 15 thru June 30, 2008
Opening Reception: April 15, noon to 1 p.m.
Gallery talks with Photography Project director Mel Watkin and Photography Project instructor Ron Laboray.

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Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club
(2901 North Grand Ave., St. Louis, 63107, 2nd floor mezzanine)
Info: 314-652-8300 • Website: www.hhbgc.org

Exhibit dates: April 2 thru June 30, 2008
Gallery hours: Mon.–Thurs. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Opening Reception: April 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Gallery talks with Photography Project director Mel Watkin, Photography Project instructor Ron Laboray and Project Participants.

Both venues are free and open to the public.

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