Last Friday, more than 300 people visited a first-look unveiling of the Voices from Fremont art exhibit at The Leekers’ studio at Parrish Studios. The one-night unveiling took place during Lincoln’s monthly First Friday gallery walk.
The exhibit highlights Fremont residents’ thoughts and experiences, showing how a local immigration enforcement proposal can devastate a community. Their voices help to document the impact Fremont’s immigration ordinance continues to have on the fabric of the community even though the ordinance has yet to go into effect. Residents were asked to describe what they have seen and felt in the community since the ordinance passed almost a year ago. Their responses show a worrisome climate of suspicion and hostility.
Reporters from KLKN Lincoln channel 8 news covered Friday’s exhibit. Watch footage from the exhibit online:
Although Friday’s first-look debut was for one night only, future exhibits are planned across the state this summer and fall. If you are interested in displaying the exhibit, contact Nicholas Swiercek at nswiercek@neappleseed.org or (402) 438-8853 x110.
Read the collected Voices form Fremont stories on Nebraska Appleseed’s blog:
Voices from Fremont week one
Voices from Fremont week two
Voices from Fremont week three
Special thanks to Fremont partners and residents for helping to document these voices, Justin Kemerling for his graphic design work, Patrick Jones and Josh Leeker for their photo contributions to the project, and Josh and Aubrey Leeker for lending their studio to display the exhibit. Visit the Leeker’s photography site at theleekers.com. Thank you also to A-to-Z for their printing of the exhibit posters.
