'The Odyssey Project' is photography for veterans

CEPA Gallery is once again partnering with award-winning photojournalist Brendan Bannon on another iteration of “The Odyssey Project” in Buffalo. A press release said, “The 12-week photography workshop helps returning combat veterans and those with MST to explore the journey home from war through photography, peer support and mentoring.

“Using photography, veterans explore and share their homecoming experiences in a supportive, creative environment. Focus will be on expression, exploration and play, rather than on the technical aspects of photography. No experience with photography is necessary. Participants will be provided a camera, journals and required materials. This program is free for veterans.”

Workshops will be led by internationally respected photojournalist Bannon, and supported by veteran and student of the first “Odyssey” workshop, Rob Healy.

Eligible veterans are those who have:

√ Served in combat or who have MST;

√ Can commit to a 12-week workshop, including a weekend away from home;

√ Want to explore their world through photography; and

√ Are in an ongoing therapeutic relationship.

Former student Marlene Roll said, “I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to commit to 12 weeks, but I found myself looking forward to class nights. Classes often ran (two hours) over time, mainly due to everyone enjoying it so much. Photography will allow me to share experiences without having to walk the painful path of saying them.”

Former student Dan Mitchell added, “Getting into the art was lifesaving – getting out of isolation.”

“The Odyssey Project” was created by Bannon, who will lead and teach this workshop. He is working in partnership with CEPA Gallery in Buffalo and the Josephine Herrick Project, a New York-based nonprofit that has been transforming veteran’s lives with photography since World War II.

CEPA Gallery’s mission is to foster the exploration of photography and contemporary visual art, to nurture creativity and to encourage active learning. Its vision is to be a globally recognized incubator of artistic creation whose programs drive engagement with art as an essential facet of life and community.