In the tradition of social-activist photography, The Way to Wanakena explores the concept of community, inviting viewers to form their own definitions of community and to imagine ways to deepen a collective capacity to work together for Wanakena’s future. Can images and text depicting "the other" improve dialogue, strengthen commitment to the health and stability of a distinctive Adirondack hamlet, and augment participation in key decisions going forward? | The Way to Wanakena is the 2012 photodocumentary thesis project of Wanakena seasonal resident Kristin Rehder, who completed this work for her graduate degree from Skidmore College’s Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program. The exhibit comprises twenty-four color portraits of year-round and seasonal Wanakenans. All participants agreed to be represented in their own words in addition to their photographs. Viewer comments are critical to this exploration of community (see below). Rehder is currently working on a new study on community with refugees who are restarting their lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. |
At the Ranger School, Wanakena,
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At the Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College,
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At the Philadelphia Alumni Writers House |
The Way to Wanakena exhibits have been made possible through the generous cooperation of the SUNY-ESF Ranger School, Skidmore's Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program (especially the Helene and Frank Crohn Scholarship), the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College, and the Philadelphia Alumni Writers House at Franklin & Marshall College. Special thanks to all the citizens of Wanakena, New York, who have enthusiastically supported this project. |
kvrehder@gmail.com