The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis has teamed up with award-winning photographer and documentarian Randy Bacon to craft Belonging, a special exhibition of portraits and short films capturing the life stories of local families living with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic anomaly that can cause developmental delays and intellectual disability but, as the stories of Belonging attest, does not prevent those born with it from having a full and fulfilling life. The exhibition will be shown at the Regional Arts Commission at City Foundry (3730 Foundry Way) beginning March 21st, in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.
Bacon attended college at Missouri State University, where he studied art and photography but ultimately majored in psychology. These dual pursuits inform his work, which often has a humanitarian and philosophical bent, as exemplified by his nonprofit 8 Billion Ones that seeks to capture the portraits and stories of as many of this planet’s 8 billion people as possible. Other portraiture series (hosted as solo exhibitions at dozens of museums throughout the country) have explored Down syndrome as well as the topics of homelessness, mental health, suicide, and domestic abuse.
For Belonging, Bacon photographed and interviewed families living with Down syndrome from around eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. As the press release describes it, “The exhibition highlights the beauty of human connection, the brilliance of unconditional love, and the universal need to belong. Through stunning photography and videography, Belonging challenges societal stereotypes by showcasing the diverse personalities, passions, and vibrant lives of individuals with Down syndrome. […] The Belonging exhibition blends storytelling, portraits, and videography to showcase each individual’s essence—from moments of joyful self-expression to quiet reflections of strength and resilience. The exhibition also highlights the extraordinary devotion and love of caregivers who pour their time and energy into advocating for, guiding, and nurturing their loved ones.” The St. Louis event marks its debut, but Belonging is intended to be a traveling exhibition with hopes to expand to other venues in the future.
Belonging runs through April 6th. Admission to Belonging is free and open to the public during the Regional Arts Commission’s normal business hours. View a trailer for the exhibit as well as a calendar of events below. For more information, visit dsagsl.org/events/belonging/. | Jason Green
Calendar of events:
EXHIBITION OPENING EVENTS AT RAC ST. LOUIS AT THE FOUNDRY
Thursday, March 20 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM | Media Exhibition Preview: The media is invited to preview the exhibition. In attendance will be Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis, Erin Suelmann, and Belonging artist, Randy Bacon.
Friday, March 21 | 5:30-7:30 PM | Exhibition Partner and Sponsor Reception
A grand opening and private cocktail reception will be held for exhibition participants, sponsors, and supporters, featuring a Q&A session with Randy Bacon and viewing of the documentary at Alamo Drafthouse.
Saturday, March 22 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM | Family Event: To commemorate World Down Syndrome Day and the opening of Belonging, families, friends, and community members are invited to an open house event. Activities include a red-carpet welcome and short film screening starting at 10:00am at the Alamo Drafthouse. This free event is open to the public.
March 22 – April 6 | Regular Business Hours | Exhibition Open to the Public: The exhibition will be featured at the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) at the Foundry for all to enjoy and can be viewed for free, anytime during RAC’s regular business hours.
