An exhibition of photographs by Darien photographer Robert Carley drew both Connecticut lawmakers — including Newtown Rep. Mitch Bolinsky — and the general public to the Legislative Office Building and State Capitol concourse in Hartford Friday.
The subjects of the photos: a variety of some of the thousands of memorials, from crosses to angels to doves, in Newtown and the surrounding area in the months after the Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Carley, who explained many photos in detail during the opening, said about 90 percent of the photos were taken in Newtown. The artist's previous work includes a series of flag portraits taken in memory of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"He's very sensitive and does very good work," said fellow artist David Merrill of Southbury. "He portrays his subjects very well and knows how to use his equipment."
In prepared remarks delivered at the opening, Rep. Bolinsky thanked Carley for inviting him to the tribute.
And thank you for this moving exhibit of healing, hope and the many heart-warming contributions made to our community by so many within and so many well-wishing friends from other communities, near and far," said Bolinsky. "These and the thousands of beautiful acts of kindness help us all move forward."
After a moment of silence, Bolinsky recited the names of the 26 victims.
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"Newtown has been the recipient of thousands and thousands of acts of kindness, large and small but each and every act and gift from individuals, communities and corporations has moved us," he said. "Many of the publicly displayed acts and gifts are exhibited here today. Many others have been documented locally by Newtown resident Yolie Molina through thousands of 'images of love.' It’s all overwhelming and mere words cannot adequately express our collective thanks."
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