CLC's 'Chalk Talk' photo exhibit workshop explores bias

Examining one's own perceptions and biases and bridging cultural and communication gaps in diverse communities is the subject of "Chalk Talk," a traveling photo exhibit that will be on display Nov. 16 to Jan. 11, 2019, in the Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art on the College of Lake County's Grayslake Campus.

Additionally, a workshop on identity and diversity led by "Chalk Talk" originator and documentary photographer Wing Young Huie will take place from 3-4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, in the gallery.

"Chalk Talk" features photographs from the Zion-Benton Community traveling exhibit based on a workshop Huie led in the Zion area in 2016. Residents came together to continue an ongoing community conversation about character traits.

Each participant was paired with someone unfamiliar and, in a nonconfrontational manner, Huie asked residents open-ended questions about perceptions and biases regarding race, gender and other social issues.

Photographs capture the respondents holding their messages written on portable chalkboards. The Nov. 19 workshop at CLC will follow the same format, but no photos will be taken of participants.

An opening reception, free and open to the public, will take place from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16. Live music and refreshments will be provided.

A Minnesota native, Huie earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Minnesota in 1979 and became a full-time professional photographer in 1989.

His projects explore social issues including immigration, race, adoption, gender, homelessness and youth culture. Huie's photographs have been exhibited in Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, Rotterdam and other cities. For more information on Huie, visit www.wingyounghuie.com.

The Gallery of Art is in the library at the Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St. Park in Lot 1 on the north side of campus and enter through the Technology Building entrance (T1). For more information, call the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts division at (847) 543-2040 or visit www.gallery.clcillinois.edu.

Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; the gallery is closed Sundays. Hours vary during college breaks and between semesters. For information on the exhibit, call (847) 543-2040.

For information about the College of Lake County, visit www.clcillinois.edu.