This Saturday Jan 17th in Boston, Bonnie’s portrait will be shown publicly for the very first time as part of the Athena Division in the Grace Project exhibition
I first met Bonnie while I was hanging the Athena exhibition at the National Women’s Memorial Museum, Arlington. An Honor Flight group entered the gallery, and Bonnie walked into the room, took one look at the walls, and announced, loudly, joyfully, without hesitation “Oh… These women look JUST LIKE ME!!”
In that moment, I knew I wanted to photograph her for the project.
Bonnie is 80 years old, radiant, confident, and utterly present. She carries herself with a brightness that fills any room, and yet beneath that light are stories that could stop you in your tracks.
Last year, while I was in San Francisco for the Athena Division exhibition at the American Legion Museum, I reached out to Bonnie. I was so grateful when our schedules aligned and I was able to make her portrait, capturing not just her image, but a small part of her extraordinary story.
Bonnie is joy and resilience embodied. She is humor, warmth, and soul. She is also the keeper of heartbreaking memories, held together with grace and generosity. Being with her reminds me why this work matters. Being seen, truly seen, is an act of dignity.
Some people don’t just enter a room, they claim it.
Bonnie did.
Clocktower Gallery, EB Newton Cultural Center 45 Pauline St, Winthrop, Massachusetts
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 17th, 3-6 PM
Artist Talk & Panel: 3-4 PM
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