Social justice photo exhibit explores the meaning and evolution of the Take-A-Knee gesture

The Kneeling Art Photography Project (thekneelingartphotography.com), under the direction of Portland artist Titi de Baccarat, will open their first exhibit at SISTERED Gallery, 525 Danforth St., Portland, from 5 to 8 p.m. June 4.

The community social justice art project explores the meaning and evolution of the Take-A-Knee gesture by having Maine photographers turn their cameras on diverse Mainers who express why they are kneeling.

Ten photographers are taking part in the exhibit, from seasoned professionals to people new to the craft.

An opening reception will feature music from renowned keyboardist Jamie Saft and Indo-jazz percussionist Brian Shankar Adler, dance from The Love Factory and possibly a food truck. As there is no large parking lot, visitors are encouraged to park on Valley Street and walk to Danforth (about a three-minute walk).

The gallery space will be open on the following Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 3 to 6 p.m.: June 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 and 24 and closes on June 25.

The exhibition moves to two locations in July: the Francis, a boutique hotel located at 747 Congress St., Portland, from July 2 to 30 and to the Maine International Film Festival in Waterville from July 9 to 13.

The show will then be at the UMVA Gallery, 516 Congress St., Portland, from Aug. 6 to 27.

The exhibition will then be at IMRC, University of Maine, Orono, from Sept. 3 to 29.

A panel discussion with several photographers will be scheduled in the future.

The project will soon be participating in a Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds to publish a book, “Taking a Knee for Change,” about this historic project.

For more information, call 207-602-9205.