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The Santa Monica College Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallery is proud to present “JOURNEY: Images of War/Celebrations of Peace,” a powerful tribute to the late Dan Eldon, a young artist and photojournalist whose images of war-torn and famine-stricken Somalia reverberated throughout the world. The traveling exhibit contains not only photographs taken in Somalia, but also large reproductions of the collages he created in his journals, as well as art supplies and personal belongings. It will be at the SMC gallery Performing Arts Center on Santa Monica Boulevard at 11th Street from Feb. 17 through March 21, with a reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27. In conjunction with the art show, the college is also holding an “SMC Student Creative Activist Film Festival,” inspired by Eldon’s work at 7 p.m. Friday, March 13.

“We wanted to do a show that not only would get students interested in the art gallery but would also activate them to become involved and to be inspired to express their activism through art,” says Art Gallery Director Marian Winsryg. “I think Dan Eldon’s collage-style journals are powerful images reflecting his life in Africa that give the viewer a unique look into his creative process.”

In the summer of 1993, Eldon, who was on location covering the Somali conflict for Reuters, was asked by Somali locals to photograph destruction caused by the mistaken bombing by the U.N. of what they believed was the house of a warlord. Amid the ruins, and the frenzy that ensued, Eldon and four other journalists were stoned to death by the enraged mob. Dan was 22-years old when he died. Dan’s mother and sister, Kathy and Amy, who both reside in Los Angeles, continue to honor Dan’s legacy and spirit through their foundation, Creative Visions Foundation
(www.creativevisions.org), which supports creative activists like Dan who use media and the arts to create awareness and inspire positive change in the world. CVF sponsors Dan’s traveling exhibit and also provides vital assistance such as mentoring, networking and financial support to other creative activists. Says Kathy, “Dan would have loved the diversity of the SMC students, and would have been proud to think his work would be displayed in their stunning new gallery.”

“JOURNEY: Images of War/Celebrations of Peace” has toured six countries and has been opened by more than four heads of state, including the President of Kenya and former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson. Journalist Dan Rather opened the show at Columbia University and Tom Brokaw spoke at Duke University when the exhibit opened there.

Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

For information more information on the gallery, please go to smcbarrettgallery.com
Additional information about Eldon and his work, please go to creativevisions.org and daneldon.org.