This exhibit features portraits & poetry of people from 38 countries, currently or recently living in Fort Collins. Our city is enriched by an incredible variety of backgrounds, yet it’s not always apparent on the surface. This project brings together people from across the globe who contribute to the vibrancy of our community. Various shades of blues, greens, and browns in the backdrops represent the way we move through the world, traversing land, sky, and water. Each portrait includes handwritten poems by each person, reflecting on their origins & the moments that have shaped their lives. Participants used a writing exercise inspired by George Ella Lyon’s poem “Where I’m From.” Some used this as a starting point, and others wrote their whole poem using the prompts. This exercise helps us access feelings, memories, and senses, while answering the question “Where are you from?” The resulting poems reveal beauty in what makes us all different, while also recognizing values we share, regardless of our backgrounds.

This project is part of Picture Me Here, a participatory arts & storytelling program. Since 2012, Brigid McAuliffe has served as the cofounder and director.