Oklahoma native, Woody Guthrie wrote songs that
spoke honestly of the human condition. Many of his
lyrics described families as they lived, fought, and
conquered the circumstances of poverty. CDSA
recognizes that most Oklahomans come from poor
backgrounds. We may be only one or two
generations removed from poverty. Our families did
not have different cultural values. They were hard
working people who valued education, and dreamed
of better futures -- for themselves and their children.
Well I’m gonna walk in this world
The best I can, if I can
And I’m gonna walk in this world
And I think I can.
I am gonna talk in this world
The best I can, if I can
And I’m gonna talk in this world
And I think I can. And I think I can.
(Woody Guthrie)
Poverty: [A-Z] project, CDSA believed it could create
a similarly powerful art installation unique to
northwest Oklahoma. This art installation is the
product of a creative process dedicated to redefining
what it means to live in poverty through the words
and stories of CDSA’s clients. A total of twenty-six
original art pieces are installed throughout the Non
Profit Center. Every image is a representation of a
written statement provided by CDSA clients
beginning with each letter of the alphabet.
We hope that this exhibit helps you understand
poverty in new ways and motivates you to join us as
we work alongside our neighbors as they overcome
poverty.
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Scott Huntsberger
shares, “three of my greatest
passions in life are family, travel, and photography.
Family is the foundation through which my creativity
originates. I believe that travel broadens ones view
of the world. It is through my photography I seek to
document a moment in time that reflects that
uniqueness and beauty. “
Riley Jantzen is a local business owner, musician,
designer, and advocate for progress in Enid. His
most notable artistic ventures have been through his
music, but over the last year he has found success
helping great local businesses and organizations with
their design and marketing needs.
Photographers submitted images for consideration
Nancy Sailors Killam enjoys capturing images that
through a juried art process. CDSA selected
northwest Oklahoma artists based on the quality of
their images and representing a variety of artistic
styles and backgrounds.
surround Enid’s growing music scene. A professional
photographer, her work has been featured locally in
Etown magazine.
People do what they have to do to survive. It’s just
that people with resources don’t have to do the
same things in the same ways as people without
resources. That does not mean that there is a culture
of poverty. We are all much more the same than we
are different.
John Chambers has been interested in photography
CDSA is committed to “walking in this world”
alongside families in poverty. We recognize their
individuality, connect them with resources, advocate
with leaders and policy makers, and help them know
that they can make it through this world.
Cheri Ezzell is the executive director at CDSA, an art
CDSA’s board and staff identified the need for
increased awareness of poverty in our communities
and its impact on families. Inspired by the Kansas
Community Action Agency Association and their
graduated from OSU in 2007 with a degree in Human
Environmental Sciences majoring in Interior Design,
then married Cody. She is currently the Interior
Designer at Corbin & Merz Architects.
Traci Layton is a certified early childhood,
as a hobby for over 40 years. “I am greatly honored
that this simple skill in capturing images has now
enabled me to be a part of CDSA’s Poverty A-Z
project. “
lover, and a photography hobbyist. She has spent
her career working on behalf of area people who
struggle to make ends meet.
Erin Haney was born and raised in Oklahoma, and
has lived in Enid since the summer of 1996. She
elementary and art teacher living and working in
Enid, OK. She developed the Creative Arts in schools
program in 2011 and serves on the Main Street, Enid
Library, and Red Cross boards. She creates to
develop a deeper understanding of herself and the
world around through the lens of her camera always
searching for truth and beauty!
Michael Louthan is a 1975 graduate of Phillips
University and currently resides in Kingfisher, OK
with his wife, Patricia. He is retired from the audio
and acoustics industry and enjoys time as a
landscape photographer. Most of his images are
captured in Western Oklahoma, The Tetons and
Moab, Utah.
Photographers, continued
Penny Sweet was born in Enid, raised in Seiling and
Enid. “I spent most of my life on government
assistance. I’m happy to be a homeschooling mom
to four super kids and wife to an outstanding
husband. I've chosen to see my life as a blessing and
that is exactly what it has been.”
Curtis Tucker is an entrepreneur that is ever
evolving! He’s dabbled creatively and professionally
in advertising, cartooning, graphic design, greeting
cards and web design. His current venture, Enid
Buzz, has given him the opportunity to pursue the
field of photography which he greatly enjoys.
Artists and their corresponding image(s)
John Chambers: B, C, brochure cover image
Cheri Ezzell: X
Erin Haney: D, G, Q
Scott Huntsberger: T, U, V, Z
Riley Jantzen: J, Y
Nancy Killam: M, O, P
Traci Layton: I, K, L, S
Michael Louthan: E, F, R
Penny Sweet: A, H, W
Curtis Tucker: N
For more information about poverty:
Paul Gorski, Ph.D., Ed Change
http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/index.html
Southern Poverty Law Center
http://www.splc.org
Jonathon Kozol Home Page
http://www.learntoquestion.com
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For more information about the Poverty: [A-Z]
project or for private showings, please contact CDSA.
The Poverty: [A-Z] art installation is made possible
with a grant from the Oklahoma Department of
Human Services - Smart Start Oklahoma.
Community Development Support Association,
Incorporated
114 South Independence
Enid, Oklahoma 73701
580-242-6131