BelongingTo be seen, exactly as they are
A portrait exhibition celebrating the lives and dignity of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Every face tells a story of belonging.
Belonging: Faces of IDD in Our Community is a fine art portrait exhibition featuring fifty individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The completed show opens at the Museum on Main in Pleasanton for nine weeks beginning November 2027.
Each portrait hangs beside the person's name and a short personal note, so every visitor meets the person, not a label. If you love someone who belongs in this show, you are invited to bring them forward.
A session built around comfort and care.
The portrait session takes place in my private studio in downtown Pleasanton, at an unhurried pace and shaped around what helps your person feel at ease. A support person is welcome to come along.
There is no cost to take part. The session is the experience, and as a thank you, you receive one finished portrait as a digital image to keep.
After the exhibition closes, the fine art gallery print of your portrait is available to you at $250, should you wish to bring it home.
Two doors, both open.
Families are welcome to reach out directly about a loved one with IDD who would be part of the project.
Care organizations are welcome too, bringing forward the individuals they serve, with the family or guardian involved every step of the way.
Whichever door you come through, the person being photographed is at the center, and their comfort and consent lead the way.
Four steps, at your pace.
You decide, with full information.
The portraits are shown at the exhibition and shared with the sponsors whose support brings the project to life. Before any session, a model release is signed, and we walk through exactly how the images are used, so nothing is a surprise.
Consent leads everything. The participant signs for themselves, or a parent, legal guardian or conservator signs on their behalf, whichever fits. Every person is treated with dignity from the first hello to the gallery wall, and their story is told accurately and with their full consent.
Bring your person into the light of the gallery.
Express your interest below. If the project is a good fit, I will reach out to set up a brief consult call before we schedule a session.
Express your interestThe exhibition features fifty individuals. Once those spots are filled, I keep a waitlist, since openings sometimes come up.