Wednesday, July 16, 2008 

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Picente: ‘Heart Gallery’  at Utica Library To Highlight Youth Awaiting Adoption; Event Opening is Today

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., today said that the Central New York “Heart Gallery” exhibit to promote adoption of youth needing permanent homes will be coming to the Utica Public Library.

“This is a very unique exhibit where the story is not just the pictures, but the stories behind the pictures,” Picente said.  “The 2008 Heart Gallery travels across the state to assist with educating local communities about adopting youth. This exhibit is both beautiful and heart touching for families and people of all ages.”

The exhibit features 50 portraits of Central New York youth awaiting adoption, as well as 15 videos of children sharing thoughts about themselves, in hopes that the message will help them find a permanent family home.

A reception for the exhibit takes place on Wednesday, July 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Heart Gallery will be on display at the Utica   Public Library through July 31 during regular library hours.

 The exhibit is a collaboration that involved the Oneida County Department of Social Services, Social Services Departments from adjacent counties, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and the Professional Photographers Society of Central New York. These talented professionals, along with videographer Ellen Dunbar of Auntie El’s Photography and Videography, donated their services to produce the photos and videos in the exhibit.

“I am very, very touched that professionals form across Central New York would donate their time to the very worthy effort of finding permanent homes for these youth,” Picente said. “I want to thank all of them, because they have given their time and their caring to help young people that need someone to care for them.,”

The concept of the Heart Gallery was first pioneered in New Mexico in 2001. Since then, Heart Gallery exhibits have been held in communities around the country.

Currently, there are more than 1,400 children in New York State who are waiting for a permanent home. Most of these youth are in foster care. For more information about adoption, visit the NYS Adoption Service Web site at www.ocfs.state.ny.us/adopt or call 1-800-345-KIDS (5437)