Art on View at Darien Library: “American Flag Project,” photographs by Steven Willard

“American Flag Project,” a photographic exhibit by Steven Willard will be on display at Darien Library from August 25 to October 1. There will be an informal meet & greet with the artist on Friday, August 27, between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., in the Library’s Art Gallery.

With titles like “4th of July,” “59 Caddy,” “Field and Flag,” and “Dory and Flag,” Willard’s “American Flag Project” is the result of his desire to mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Inspired by The Flag Ladies of Freeport, Maine (every Tuesday since 9/11/2001, they wave flags on Freeport's Main Street), the artist looked back through his files and was surprised to find several images containing American flags.

Said Willard, "At the time these photographs were made, the flags seemed a minor element in the composition with no more importance than a chair or a bush. Such is the ubiquity of flags in our environment that they have disappeared like trees in a forest." Reflecting that since 9/11, despite the increased number of American flags in our landscape, the notice of them had faded, he added, "Here was my project: show the flag in the environment in such a way that reminds people that the flag is not only all around us, but that it matters."

Steve Willard has been a camera enthusiast since childhood. In college, he studied photography, and it has remained a serious hobby.

For more information, please visit darienlibrary.org or call 718-836-6811.

Darien Library is located at 1441 Post Road, Darien, Conn.

(Images attached: “Separation of Church and State,” “Dawn’s Early Light”)