The Newport Beach City Arts Commission presents a the "Sobier Photo Project" by celebrated photographer Ed Olen, on display at the Newport Beach Central Library gallery.

Ed Olen has traveled to Haiti with The Heart of Hollywood Foundation on yearly mission trips since 2012. For the past three years the organization has focused on the village of Sobier, which was particularly devastated by the 2010 earthquake. Olen always photographs his trips, but this year he decided to try something new. With the help of strategic and handmade props, Olen juxtaposes a culture of wealth against a community of need.

"It's the village that is being overlooked, " Olen says, "So I decided to do this series to bring attention to them." Ed Olen captures the unique personalities of his subjects, creating striking images that demand attention and evoke reaction. "This village is among the most ravaged we've seen in Haiti, " Olen says, "It's third world poverty 75 minutes from Miami."

The Heart of Hollywood Foundation has begun construction on a clinic for the community, projected to be completed this spring. "Now we want to focus on a well for fresh water because it's a 2-hour plus round-trip for them to get 

fresh water every day."

Ed Olen spent 10 years shooting food and fashion for local luxury lifestyle publication, Coast Magazine, and currently freelances in the greater Orange County and Los Angeles areas.

The exhibition will be on display during library operating hours, July 8 through September 6, 2019.

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