Corvallis, Ukraine Connection Spawns Art

By Patrick Fancher

PhotographyExhibitThe bond between Corvallis, Oregon and Uzhhorod, Ukraine over the years has been one of sharing and inspiration. The two cities have swapped everything from teachers, healthcare and elected officials to art and music. That positive trend will continue when the Corvallis-Benton County Library hosts a joint photography exhibit opening in June.

This month-long exhibit features local individuals with developmental disabilities pictured enjoying their day-to-day lives; it was inspired by a similar award-winning 2013 photo competition in the Ukraine. After seeing the exhibit in Uzhhorod last fall, Mayor Julie Manning decided that bringing the photography showcase to Corvallis was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Professional photographers that participated in this exhibit include Karl Maasdam, Andy Cripe, Amanda Cowan and more, they took pictures of clients from local agencies like Home Life Inc, Cornerstone Associates and the ARC of Benton County. In 1998, a visit to Corvallis by Ukrainian professionals influenced them to return to Uzhhorod and build a rehabilitation center for children with disabilities. Many of its leaders and clients were involved in the photo exhibit. The Corvallis-Uzhhorod Sister Cities Association provided the financial and organizational support to make this exhibit happen.

There will be an opening reception on Tuesday, June 3 starting at 7 p.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Library, 645 NW Monroe Avenue

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