Faces of Down syndrome gallery takes up residence in Des Plaines
A traveling photo gallery opened last week on the second floor of the Des Plaines Public Library. It features portraits of children and adults who share one thing in common: they all have Down syndrome.
From there, however, their lives and interests vary. And that, say organizers behind the exhibit, is just the point.
The display is the result of a collaborative effort between GiGi's Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, a Down syndrome awareness center; Barrington-based photographer Thomas Balsamo and Bagby & Co., a Chicago advertising company.
"We're hoping to break stereotypes and calm fears of parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis," says Lisa Schuh of Downers Grove, whose daughter, Teagan, is featured.
Mounted in 2007, the exhibit opened at the North Shore Festival of the Arts held at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie. Since then it has traveled to Denver, Colo., Bloomington, Ind., the Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich and last month it was in the main lobby at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.
"I was little skeptical when I first heard about it, but once I saw them (the photos), I was awe-struck," says Linda Gump, operations vice president for St. Alexius, who estimates that during its one-month run it was seen by thousands of visitors, physicians and staff.
Now it moves to a different audience, standing on display in the Children's Department at the Des Plaines Public Library. Organizers invite the public to a reception with many of the portrait subjects and their families from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Former Chicago public schoolteacher, Fran Senesac, was instrumental in getting funding from the Friends of the Library in order to mount the gallery.
Her 25-year old son, Michael, is featured in one of the portraits. He graduated from Maine West High School in 2002 where he was a member of its swim team, before earning a gold medal in Special Olympics in swimming and later in golf.
"This is an opportunity to see how beautiful these children are, how successful they can be, and how the community can benefit," Fran Senesac says.
Among the children showcased is Kelvin McLaurin of Bartlett, an active, inquisitive child, who works out each day on his family's treadmill to strengthen his low muscle tone, while listening to his favorite music.
His photo also is featured in the next calendar published by GiGi's Playhouse, which features a compelling narrative written by his mother, Robbie.
"Kelvin has broadened our perspective and enlarged our hearts," his mother says. "He shows us how little he cares about our intelligence and our physical appearance, and how much he cares about the time we spend with him and the love we share as a family."
GiGi Gianni of South Barrington, the namesake behind GiGi's Playhouse, started first grade this year at her local public school, where she is reading along with her classmates, having benefited from the literacy program at the Hoffman Estates center.
"I love to watch her walk into school," says her mother, Nancy, the founder and driving force behind GiGi's Playhouse. "She struts in, with her backpack bouncing on her back. She just has this attitude and confidence about her, and I'm sure it's from all that she's been exposed to at the center."