Exhibit features photos by COTS youth

Detroit’s Coalition On Temporary Shelter (COTS) is pleased to announce the opening of "Through the Eyes of a Child", a photographic art exhibit, on June 14, 2011 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC).

A photo included in the display above includes a note that reads: "I took this picture because I wanted to show that kids of any age can accomplish anything that they set their minds to. One day we will be in a band and she will play the drums."

Monte Nagler, renowned fine art photographer, conducted a photography class for youth in COTS programs and encouraged them to capture their world as they see it. Children also wrote brief statements of what inspired their photos. Thirty touching works, resulting from the efforts of these young artists, will be presented in a traveling exhibit from June 2011 through March 2012.

“In order for parents, family, and mentors to help guide children, we have to understand their visions, dreams and realities,” notes Cheryl P. Johnson, COTS Chief Executive Officer.  “This exhibit provides an opportunity for them to express themselves to a broader audience of people and for that audience to see through different lenses.”  The Through the Eyes of a Child project is instrumental in building parental involvement in the child’s development.

Through the Eyes of a Child also marks the beginning of COTS mobile giving campaign. Throughout the course of the travelling exhibit visitors will have an opportunity to contribute $10 by texting COTS to 20222.  Contributions received from this campaign will fund comprehensive support services for families seeking assistance from COTS.

The June 14 exhibit opening will feature the opportunity to meet many of the young artists. While there is no mandatory cost to attend, a donation of $20 is appreciated. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit is scheduled to travel from the BBAC to Oakland Mall, Suburban Collection, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Henry Ford Hospitals, and other locations to be announced.

The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center is located at 1615 S. Cranbrook Road in Birmingham, Michigan. For additional information on the exhibit and exhibit schedules, contact Robyn Smith, Community Relations Director, at 313-576-0223 or visit COTS online at cotsdetroit.org.

Founded in 1982, the Coalition On Temporary Shelter (COTS) is a private, non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, and comprehensive support services for Detroit’s homeless and at-risk population. In the past year, COTS has provided more than 40,000 nights of emergency shelter for more than 2,000 men, women and children. COTS also exists to advocate for long-term solutions to the problems of homelessness.