our mission is rooted in the belief that creative expression is essential for development. We aim to provide photography as a creative skill and mode of expression to urban youth. We believe that early development of creative skills will improve academic performance, self-confidence and tolerance of others.

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Photo by Megan, Cabrini Green 2011
ALEXIS ELLERS
Educator/Program Coordinator

Photographer Alexis Ellers grew up in Central Ohio. At age 18 she moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College from where she graduated in 2008 with a BA in Photography. While living in Chicago she became enthralled in the city's bike culture. She soon became active in the Rat Patrol Bike Club, a group of people who build strange bikes out of discarded bikes and metals. 

Alexis is currently a teaching artist at Marwen, which provides free after school art programs to under-served Chicago middle and high school students. She continues to document the Rat Patrol Bike Club, a project she began in 2006. Her photographs are on display online at www.alexisellers.com
 AHMAD BRACEY
Educator/Program Coordinator

Instructor  & Photographer Ahmad Bracey,  is a native of Chicago's Bronzeville community. He received his B.A. from Chicago State University in 2010. He majored in Biology and Philosophy, with an research focus on medical access in African American communities. 

Ahmad had specialized in documenting, through photographs and essays,  elements of of Chicago life, including urban framing, pedicabbing, and landmark restoration. 

                               

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photo by Malachy, 2003. Uptown

    
JOHN GALVIN          
FOUNDER / DIRECTOR   
 
In 2003 John Galvin started the Early Exposures (EE) program in partnership with The Chicago Youth Programs, Inc. (CYP). and a fellowship grant from the Albert Schweitzer Foundation.  The program has continued to grow over the past seventeen years and works with three CYP sites in Chicago.  

The growth and success of EE is due to the past and current support from CYP, the Injury Free Coalition For Kids of Chicago, UIC College of Medicine, The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship and the generosity of individual supporters.

The continued growth and quality of EE could not happen without our skilled educators who teach the program every summer and the CYP directors at CYP’s Cabrini Green/North Lawndale, Uptown and Washington Park. 

Early Exposures Photography Program