We all belong in the circle of human concern. As a storyteller, John Noltner has worked on four continents gathering stories of human courage, grace, and resilience. Now he is coming to Corvallis to ask: “What does belonging mean to you?”
This community exploration of community and belonging features photography exhibits, photo sessions, and a keynote talk and dialogue — all centered around belonging. It runs from Oct. 15 to 23.
This visit to Corvallis is offered as part of the A Peace of My Mind project, a multimedia arts effort created by Noltner, an award winning photographer and writer, that uses portraits and personal stories to bridge divides and encourage dialogue around important social issues. This series of programs seeks to amplify voices and stories often untold or unheard in order to give us the opportunity to engage in learning and reflection on how others in our community think about belonging and experience Corvallis. The programs will support reflection and planning for how we can create a more inclusive future that supports belonging for everyone.
In a deeply divided world, Noltner’s visit gives our community, especially our friends and neighbors who are most marginalized, the opportunity to teach each other what we need to truly belong. This week long series of events, conversations, and activities seeks to open our hearts and minds to other perspectives and give us the chance to build connections and make change together.
All the programs are free and open to the public – and they’re taking place at a number of venues around town.
Photography Studio Sessions, Mini-Interview
It’s your time to share! All OSU and Corvallis community members are invited to contribute by posing for a photograph and offering your perspective on the question “What does belonging mean to you?” Diverse participation will add to the richness and fullness of the project as well as deeper understanding of the realities that exist in Corvallis. By participating in a photo session, not only will you be able to describe what belonging means to you, but you’ll also have your answer paired with a professional headshot taken by John Noltner. These photos will be free for your own personal use. You might also see yourself reflected in the keynote talk later in the week. ASL and Spanish interpreting will be provided. Click here to sign-up for a studio appointment, which will be taking place at the Westminster House, 101 NW 23rd St, 23rd and Monroe.
Monday, October 16th from 10am to 2pm
Tuesday, October 17th from 3pm to 7pm
Thursday, October 19th from 10am to 2pm
Photography Exhibits
Noltner’s exhibits from past iterations of A Peace of My Mind from other communities will be on display in the SEC Lobby and at the Corvallis Museum. Visit the free exhibitions to see examples of Noltner’s work and how others have approached answering life’s larger questions. Enjoy photography and stories about being human.
On Campus: Monday, October 16th to Friday, October 20th, 8am-8pm, at the Student Experience Center (SEC) Lobby, 2251 SW Jefferson Way.
Off-Campus: Wednesday, October 18th to Saturday, October 21st, 10am-4:30pm and Sunday October 22nd, 12pm-4:30pm, at the Corvallis Museum, 411 SW Second St.
Keynote & Dialogue
What did people across Corvallis have to say about belonging? Join Noltner as he unveils the portraits he took during his Corvallis visit and shares lessons learned from the week. His keynote presentation as well as subsequent dialogue will center how we can build community, bridge divides, and support belonging for all through personal story sharing. Refreshments will be served. ASL and Spanish interpreting will be provided.
Friday, October 20, 2023, 4 to 6pm, Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave.
Community Potluck & Conversation
“What does belonging mean to you?” Join together for a community discussion with Noltner. Community members will be able to contribute their voice to a collection of writings and photographs about belonging, should they want to. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Feel free to bring a dish to share.
Sunday, October 15, 2023, 5 to 7pm, at the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, 2638 NW Jackson Ave.
Accommodations requests related to disability can be made to Community Engagement & Leadership at cel@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-3041.
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