The Chalkboard Project: Teens and Quotes

Discover The Chalkboard Project at Harold Washington Library Center, in the Van Buren corridor across from YOUmedia, on display through October 2015. The exhibit displays select pieces of teens and the quotes that inspire them from a series of portraits by photographer Linda Swift.

Linda Swift will make a special guest appearance at HWLC YOUmedia on July 7 at 4:30 p.m. where three lucky teens will have an opportunity to have their portraits photographed by her.

Starting in 2007, Swift began creating portraits of students from three Chicago high schools in President Barack Obama’s home community of Hyde Park–Kenwood. She surveyed the teens about their school, community, personal life and political involvement and asked them to select inspiring quotes they felt reflected their identity. Next, she asked them to write these quotes on a chalkboard and pose next to them, with or without props. Linda’s project is about speaking, looking and listening – a cultural conversation about America.

If you're inspired to create your own photo project, or find a quote that defines you and your present or future, take a look at this special list of books on projects with photos and inspiring quotes to get started.