The annual photo exhibit Shoot for the STARS is returning to Phoenix on Friday, May 1, open to the public from 6 to 9pm. The free exhibit will be open until May 30 but only by appointment.
Shoot for the STARS is a program designed to teach the joys of photography to adults with disabilities. Offered through STARS (Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services), the program teaches participants to see beyond their immediate selves by looking through a camera and focusing their attention on people and objects around them.
Valley photographer Mark W. Lipczynski founded the program, which is now in its third year. Each fall, six participants take part in the 12-week program in which they use digital point-and-shoot cameras to document their surroundings. At the end of the program, a photo exhibit of their work is displayed wherever gallery space is available in the greater Phoenix area. The work is not for sale, but is meant for the public to gain perspective through the eyes of people with disabilities. It is also intended to showcase the tremendous ability of each participant.
This year, Release the Fear Inc., an organization whose mission is to spread empathy and understanding through the creative process, has contributed space at Grace Chapel for the Shoot for the STARS exhibit. The chapel is located at 302 W. Monroe St.
It is Lipczynski’s vision to see Shoot for the STARS exhibited Valleywide throughout the year to gain maximum exposure for STARS and all people with disabilities.
To schedule a viewing, call 480-588-7426.
For more information or gallery space contributions, visit www.marklipczynski.com
