Earth Now: American Photographers and the Environment:

I am pleased to announce that photographs from Question of Power have been selected as part of the Earth Now exhibition, website, and book. It is an honor to be included in this exhibition with my mentor, Ansel Adams.

The New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe, NM

Opening Reception: April 8, 2011 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Exhibition will be open from April 8 - October 9

"Ansel Adams' and Eliot Porter's landscape photography fueled a growing concern for the environment in this country. Their idealized, unpopulated landscapes set the standard for twentieth-century photography. Earth Now begins with a suite of works by these two artists and moves on to a group of photographers who came of age in the 1970s."

Please visit the Earth Now website to view the online exhibit and video interviews.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Santa Monica College: Question of PowerWe had a great opening last Saturday evening 4/2 at Santa Monica College Photography Gallery. I wanted to especially thank Ford Lowcock and the Photography Department at the college for all of their help and support. Santa Monica College has a terrific photography program with around 1800 students.Lucy A. Willie - Question of Power exhibit will be in the Gallery until May 13, 2011. The Photography Gallery Hours are Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm & 5pm - 7pm. The Gallery is located on the Santa Monica College campus 2nd Floor, Drescher Hall. If you are in the area please stop by and view the exhibit.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Santa Monica, California:

Santa Monica College will host an exhibit of the work of documentary photographer and educator, Carlan Tapp from April 2 to May 13. The exhibit features 40 black and white prints showing the effects of coal mining and coal-fired power production on the lives of a Navajo community near Farmington, New Mexico. The work centers around Lucy Willey, a Navajo elder whose personal story symbolizes the fate of her community.

On the road again. Arrived in Los Angeles yesterday. Spent some time with the students in the photography department at Santa Monica College reviewing their work and discussing their photographic goals. Saw some great work from young emerging photographers. This afternoon (Saturday) I will be presenting a public lecture on the work of Question of Power at 4 P.M. The lecture will include stories from the Navajo Nation, TVA Kingston TN, Uniontown AL, and Bokoshe OK. The opening of the exhibit is scheduled from 5-7 P.M. A "big thank you" to everyone for your support for the work of Question of Power and getting the exhibit and stories to Santa Monica.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Bokoshe Oklahoma and ABC World News:ABC World News with Diane Sawyer aired a coal ash story I've been working on in Bokoshe, Oklahoma. As many of you know, I first traveled to Bokoshe this past August when I heard of the serious health problems in the area. Recently ABC began investigating the story and aired a very good report Tuesday evening 3/29. Here is the link to the ABC Bokoshe story. I am headed back to Bokoshe in April to work more with the community.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Mother Road 2011 New Mexico Photography Workshop:

What historic town on Route 66 in New Mexico boasts dinosaurs, ostriches, and a cheese factory? Hint: It rhymes with Chuck Berry.

Mother Road 2011 Photographic Workshop has only three spaces left. Sign up and join us for the ultimate, fun-filled Route 66 photographic experience as we explore Route 66 in eastern New Mexico. You workshop donation is tax-deductible providing support for Question of Power a 501c3. To learn more plus hear a little Chuck Berry, log onto Mother Road 2011.

Looking forward to our paths meeting on Route 66.

Be strong, be safe, Carlan

Mother Road 2011:

A few days ago I sent photographs to the 6th grade class in Bokoshe, OK for their Learn and Serve presentation at the state capital next week. For those of you following the Bokoshe coal ash story you'll remember I took these photographs in December as part of my 501c3 project, Question Of Power. As I stood in the 6th grade classroom their teacher asked "raise your hand if you have asthma." Nine out of the seventeen students raised their hands. I was shocked.

I spent the day with these bright kids to photograph and record their stories. One story I'll never forget. I asked one of the boys what it was like to deal with asthma every day. His answer went straight to my heart. "It hurts," he said, "it really, really hurts." To see and hear his and other student's personal stories, please visit: http://www.questionofpower.org/bokoshe_letters/index.html.

As in other Question of Power projects, photographs have played an integral part in bringing a voice to people affected by the mining, burning, and disposal of coal byproducts. My photographs have been successfully used in numerous publications, as an educational tool for high schools and colleges, and as Federal court evidence for people fighting for their land.

Question of Power has taken me from the Navajo Nation to Tennessee, Alabama, and recently, Bokoshe, OK. It takes money to continue to bring voices to people who often don't have resources to do it themselves. They need your help. I need your help.

On May 21, 2011 I will ride my American made motorcycle on America's Mother Road across America from Chicago to Santa Monica to raise money for Question Of Power, a 501c3. A four-day tax-deductible photographic workshop will also take place on the New Mexico section of Route 66. Buy some miles and join in the ride (all wheels welcome). Make plans now to follow me across our beautiful country via a daily blog from the comfort of your home. Your tax deductible dollars will not only keep me in gas it will earn you a fabulous tee shirt plus many other wonderful gifts.

To learn more about Mother Road 2011 and how to make a donation for the ride, please visit: http://www.motherroad2011.org. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to pass it on.

Be strong, be safe, Carlan

Imagine:

This past week I have been on the road in Arizona. In Tucson I realized I was in need of more sun screen. A simple stop at a shopping center was all I was looking for. We can only imagine what may unfold as we travel through our lives.

I stopped short when I realize where I was standing. A stone with the lyrics of John Lennon reached out to share with me the words, "Nothing to kill or die for...Imagine all the People living in Peace...Imagine no need for greed or hunger...Imagine all the people sharing all the World".

I felt compelled to make some photographs...to "Imagine how the world can live as one".

(click here to hear the words and see the pictures)

be strong, be safe, Carlan