Photographer Robert Dawson and writer/historian Ellen Manchester have spent two years collaborating with the Library and Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County and the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library to photograph libraries, bookmobiles, and literacy programs throughout the county. A photographic exhibition based on the artists’ investigation opens on November 10 at the LH Horton Jr. Gallery at San Joaquin Delta College. Dawson is presenting a free artist’s talk from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the 10th in the Delta College West Forum lecture hall. An opening will follow from 5-7 p.m. in the LH Horton Jr. Gallery and will feature a performance by With Our Words Youth Poets.
The exhibition is the first in a series of public programs and publications by Dawson and Manchester “that seek to provide a realistic context for the challenges facing these communities and to celebrate and honor the efforts of the many individuals and organizations that have dedicated their work to increasing literacy, promoting civic engagement and advocating for programs that broaden the social, cultural, economic and educational well-being of the region.”
Image: “ELL Students” by Robert Dawson