The project was the brainchild of PCHS art teacher Sandy Stevens who called upon students in her digital photography class to interview and help photograph a cross section of people to collectively tell the story of Pinckneyville. It was done in cooperation with students from the School of Cinema and Photography at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Local business Craig Williams Creative also provided expertise in editing the profiles.
“The students learned a lot about their town and, I hope, that art isn’t just an elective course but something they can make a career out of,” Stevens said. “I don’t think the full meaning of this project has really sunk in with them.”
People from throughout Pinckneyville were asked to recommend others who would make for an interesting profile. The students then selected more than 50 individuals to be included in the project.
A day was slated and a studio erected in the fall where interviews and pictures were taken. Those to be featured were asked to bring or wear something representative of their lives. For example, Jim Thomas of Thomas Home Improvement was photographed holding a paint can.
PCHS student Kelly Kuberski said the exercise taught her that everyone has a story to tell.
“It was cool seeing their point of view,” Kuberski said. “Sara Tanner is my Zumba (a dance/fitness regiment) teacher. It was interesting to learn about all the work she puts into the class and how the weight she lost has motivated her to help others.”
Stevens said “Meet the Faces” is similar to “The Oxford Project,” one she learned about where a photographer took pictures of all the people in a small Iowa town in 1983.
“He returned 20 years later to all the people and took their pictures again and this time he interviewed them,” Stevens said. “It is very interesting to see what makes a town a town.”
During a class field trip to SIUC in 2009, Stevens met assistant professor of photography Antonio Martinez who agreed last fall to collaborate on the project.
“Meet the Faces” was supported by First National Bank which paid for the printing and mounting of the photos, as well as hosted a premiere party in December.
“This is a unique and exciting project that tells the story of Pinckneyville one person at a time,” said bank President David Pirsein. “We invite everyone to stop by and view it. You will see people you know and stories, perhaps, that you’ve never heard before.”
Cutline: (l-r) PCHS students Beth Reynolds, Becca Burris and Logan Degenhardt hold up pictures of residents featured in “Meet the Faces of Pinckneyville” project.