New Berlin photographer Bill McLaughlin's exhibit, Face to Face: Portraits from the Precipice, at the Chenango Arts Council in Norwich, has been extended to November 10.  (Submitted photo)

NORWICH - New Berlin artist and photographer Bill McLaughlin's photography exhibit, "Face to Face: Portraits from the Precipice", at the Chenango Arts Council in Norwich, NY has been extended to November 10. 

The project seeks to celebrate the diversity in our area and offers a gentle reminder that as the growing voices of hatred and intolerance seek to divide us, we as a community, share much more that unites us than separates us.

”In light of the horrific events we are witnessing in the Middle East, it's more important than ever to remember the danger of dehumanizing groups of people. History constantly reminds us that this is how atrocities are committed and justified,"  said McLaughlin.

“As the forces that seek to divide us racially, politically and economically intensify, it is my hope that this project will help to foster tolerance rather than division; understanding rather than exclusion,” he added.

More than 70 portraits were made locally in the Southern Tier at public events including county fairs, concerts and festivals over the last year. Many of the participants also contributed thoughts and comments on the current division in our society.

The portraits were printed in larger-than-life format so that viewers can walk through the gallery and literally come “face to face” with these members of our community in a neutral and intimate setting. Interspersed between the portraits are a variety of comments from the sitters, poems and other reflections on the topics of tolerance etc.

Bill McLaughlin is an artist and photographer from New Berlin, NY.

- Information from the Arts Council