Raising Awareness, Raising Funds
August 8, 2009
People socialize at Farmaesthetics on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island before the "Women and War" slideshow and lecture, sponsored by Bring Peace Not Pain. Photo by Cheryl Hatch
A storefront becomes a salon for socializing and conversation.
A back room used for storage becomes a screening room.
Multi-purpose, on purpose.
On Thursday night. over 50 people gathered at Farmaesthetics on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI to hear my presentation on “Women and War,” sponsored by Bring Peace Not Pain.
I showed slides from my decade of documentary work in the Middle East and Africa. I spoke about the legacy of war and its emotional, psychological and environmental toll. At the conclusion of my talk, I answered questions from the audience and shared about my new work with my nonprofit, Isis Initiative, Inc.
I’m thrilled to report that we raised $693 to support our scholarships for women overseas, who have the desire but not the resources to pursue a college education. At our board meeting later this month, we’ll select the next scholarship recipient, who will attend the college of her choice in Mindanao in the Philippines. Stay tuned.
Thank you to everyone who attended the lecture, and a heartfelt thanks to those who donated to our mission. A special thank you to my cousin Jennifer, who came from New Bedford, Massachusetts, and jumped in to sell note cards and collect donations at the end of the event.
Thank you to Suzi Nance, of Bring Peace Not Pain, for organizing the event, and to Brenda Brock, owner of Farmaesthetics, for hosting the event.
Women and War
August 5, 2009
It’s just 24 hours before my speech tomorrow night.
I’m never sure how I’ll feel when I show the work from my time in war zones and refugee camps. Once, when I was speaking to an auditorium full of high school students, my voice literally caught in my throat. The sudden depth of my emotion caught me by surprise.
It’s been 10 years since I left the life of a war photographer. I don’t even like that label. I didn’t photograph war; I photographed the aftermath: the destruction, devastation, suffering.
As difficult as it was to witness and document the brutality of war, it was almost as difficult to leave that life and that part of my career behind me. Part of me is a bit nervous to revisit it tomorrow night.
In the interest of education and a good cause, I will show my work, share my story and expose my heart.
My thanks to Suzi Nance of Bring Peace Not Pain for organizing and hosting my lecture. I am happy to support her mission of promoting peace.
An Invitation
July 31, 2009
Cheryl Hatch poses for a photo while working on a project on Eritrea women in Hagaz, Eritrea.
Bring Peace Not Pain
presents
Women and War: The Unseen Cost of Conflict
Thursday August 6, 2009 • 7 p.m.
Farmaesthetics Apothecary •144 Bellevue Ave., Newport RI
Please join us for a visual and emotional look at the legacy of war through the eyes and words of Cheryl Hatch
Cheryl is a photojournalist who has spent much of her career in the Middle East and Africa during times of conflict. Through a slideshow of her work we will see an intimate look at many of the faces of war’s collateral damage.
This event is open to the public.
There is no charge but seating is limited so please call to reserve your place. Phone: 401.835.1736
Bring Peace Not Pain • 123 Bellevue Avenue • Newport RI 02840
Bring Peace Not Pain is devoted to helping promote peace, beginning with inner peace, extending to relationships both personal and global.
