I Thought I Could Fly is a traveling exhibition organized by the American Jewish Museum (AJM), showcasing work by acclaimed photographer Charlee Brodsky. I Thought I Could Fly pairs Brodsky's photographs with personal narratives by individuals whose lives are affected in some way by mental illness. Brodsky's black and white photos portray metaphorical images based on the narratives to capture the essence of each experience. Throughout the exhibit, photos and text work together to destigmatize mental illness. An added dimension to the exhibition is a 13-minute documentary film produced exclusively for this project. The film includes personal interviews with five people whose narratives are included in the exhibit, bringing to life their individual stories, triumphs and trials surrounding mental health issues.

Inspired by her daughter's diagnosis of bipolar disorder and her desire to connect with people and their everyday experiences, Brodsky uses photographic imagery to bring audiences into the routines of people affected by mental illness. Brodsky is a documentary photographer, author and professor of photography at Carnegie Mellon University. Her book, Knowing Stephanie, was recognized as one of the American Association of University Presses' outstanding illustrated books of 2004. Street, Ms. Brodsky's book with poet Jim Daniels, won the 2007 Tillie Olsen Award given by the Working Class Studies Association. Ms. Brodsky's work is exhibited regionally and nationally.

Specifications

This exhibition is ideal for college or university galleries, libraries, and medical museums.

Traveling time

April 2010 through February 2011

Exhibition includes

The AJM recommends host venues display 20 panels. The panels include photographic images and accompanying narrative text. The total number of panels is negotiable.

Exhibition brochure; CD with exhibition information; media kit; docent training materials

I Thought I Could Fly: A Documentary DVD (TRT 13:35).

Exhibition requirements

60 linear feet

It is recommended the film I Thought I Could Fly: A Documentary be shown in conjunction with the exhibit.

Exhibition period

6-week minimum

Host institution fees

There is a $300.00 all-inclusive fee for the hosting the exhibition. Fee includes shipping, installation assistance, and exhibition materials.

A limited number of fee waivers are available.

The exhibition is made possible through the Staunton Farm Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to improve the lives of people who live with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment and support by advancing best practices through grant making to non-profit organizations in ten southwestern Pennsylvania counties. Additional support is provided by Western Psychiatry Institute & Clinic.

Images from I Thought I Could Fly: Portraits of Anguish, Compulsion and Despair reproduced with the generous permission of the Bellevue Literary Press.

The AJM is supported in part by grants from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, BNY Mellon Audience Development Fund and the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts. Media sponsorship is provided by WDUQ-FM.

For more information about hosting the exhibit, contact Melissa Hiller, AJM Director, at (412) 521-8011, ext. 105, or via email at mhiller@jccpgh.org.