We Are Family

Mother's Day

May 11, 2008

Wistariahurst Museum

Holyoke, Massachusetts

An Event by Bruce Barone

Background Information:

(from the story in the paper)

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than by posing for a family portrait?

On May 11, local photographer Bruce Barone will be doing double-duty at the Wistariahurst Museum: opening his exhibition of portraits from the local community, and photographing new subjects who wish to be included in his collection.

The event, "We Are Holyoke," will feature a gallery showing of about 15 framed photographs of people from across the Pioneer Valley, along with a portable studio where Barone will be set up to capture the uniqueness of each family who wishes to be photographed. Portrait sittings will take place between 1 to 2:30 p.m., and printing will be done on site.

"This could include a single person or a family of five or 10," said Barone. "We'd like to show the diversity of life in Holyoke."

Barone said the event is geared toward bringing the local community into the life of the museum. Those who sit for the portraits will take home a free print of their photo, and another print of it will be framed and added to the gallery exhibition, which will run through May.

"The goal is to eventually turn these into a book," he said.

Barone, who operates a studio in West Springfield, specializes in wedding, portrait and nature photography. He has a degree in art history and has worked as a photojournalist. He is the former owner of Studio 19 at the Eastworks Building in Easthampton.

The Wistariahurst Museum, at 238 Cabot St., is dedicated to preserving Holyoke's history and inspiring an appreciation of history and culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wistariahurst is the former home of William Skinner, a prominent silk manufacturer. The museum is open for guided tours every Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 4 pm. For more information or a schedule of other upcoming events, visit www.wistariahurst.org or call (413) 322-5660.

(technical info)

Each sitting had to be done within 3-5 minutes:

Many thanks to Marjorie Latham, the Wistariahurst Museum, and my assistant, Nayana Glazier.