The Nomadic Photo Ark will be in Massillon from September 25 through October 6. With their  mobile darkroom, photographer Monica Frisell and recorder/editor Adam Scher focus on analog photography and storytelling. Find them often near the Massillon Museum.
 
Within their trailer, the photographers operate a fully-equipped, black-and-white darkroom which they use to amass content for a project called Portrait of US. Frisell and Scher describe The Ark as a compilation of snapshots that ultimately produces "a mosaic of community life and what binds us together, collectively, as Americans."
 
While in Massillon, the photographers invite area residents to visit The Ark to have their portraits made with an 8x10 film camera and their story recorded.  To make an appointment, visit https://calendly.com/nomadicphotoark/portrait-of-us-massillon?month=2023-09&date=2023-09-26.
 
Monica Jane Frisell is a nomadic photographer working predominantly in large format film. She strives to bring intention to her portraiture and believes that everyone has a right to be seen.
 
Adam Scher is an audio interviewer who works to bring clarity to people's stories. Originally a long distance bike traveler, he has always found inspiration from meeting new people and the open road.
 
The two share a love for travel and storytelling. In July of 2021, they started their project Portrait of US, a continually evolving audiovisual archive of stories and portraits garnered from conversations with people across the United States.
 
Sitting for a portrait usually it takes about 45 minutes. They like to sit with the participants and chat before making the portrait.
 
Participants and the Massillon Museum will each receive a copy of the photograph and audio during the Portrait of US show at the Massillon Museum in 2024.
 
The Massillon Museum is grateful for operating support from the Ohio Arts Council, ArtsinStark, and the citizens of Massillon, as well as marketing support from Visit Canton. The Brown Bag Lunch series is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
 
MassMu is located at 121 Lincoln Way East in downtown Massillon. A visit is always free and everyone is welcome. Free parking is available on adjacent streets and in nearby city lots. For more information, call 330-833-4061 or visit massillonmuseum.org.