Through Their Eyes

Through April 11, free, Palumbo Park (next to Fleisher Art Memorial), 723 Catharine St., 215-625-9990, pentimenti.com.

by Holly Otterbein

Judy Gelles has no problem admitting that this exhibit is, first and foremost, for the kids. That doesn't mean grownups shouldn't see it, too. Like The Goodlands project, "Through Their Eyes" features tender, almost-too-personal photography by seventh- and eighth-graders enrolled in South Philly's George Washington Elementary School. "This isn't about creating art," says Gelles. "It's about teaching kids how to tell their stories, and bettering their self-esteem." Paired with thoughtful, affecting words that prove just how complex young minds can be, the photographs document life with annoying little sisters, fathers in Iraq and deceased parents. The images will literally hang from the trees on waterproof banners at Palumbo Park, which seems about right for a kids' exhibit. "Children often don't like to go to galleries or museums," says Gelles, "so this way, with an outdoor exhibit, no one gets left out."