05/24/2024
The purpose of the Palmetto Portrait Project is to create a snapshot of one town in America at a consequential and monumental time for the country. Palmetto, Georgia is a small town of 5000 just 25 miles from Atlanta. In November the community elected its first female and African American mayor in 170 years. In turn, the city council, now more than ever, accurately reflects the towns population with more than half being women and people of color. There is a feeling of change and optimism expressed by the community as Palmetto, like countless other small towns across the country, strives to adapt, progress and thrive.
Throughout May the Palmetto Portrait Project studio at 505 Toombs has been open to anyone in the community to have their picture made for free and share their story. As we approach the final weekend of photography, we encourage you to be a part of this visual time capsule.
The studio will be open from 12-4 Saturday and on Sunday from 12-6 concurrent with the Palmetto Portrait Block Party.
About the artist:
Raymond McCrea Jones is a professional photographer and resident of Palmetto. He began his career at The New York Times where he started as an intern. In 2011 he joined and relocated to Atlanta as an independent photographer and has gone on to photograph for publications and brands around the world. “This is the first time in my career that I’ve done a project like this in the place where I live. I wasn’t prepared for how that would affect me as an artist, but I am humbled, thankful and full of love for all of the people of this community and how they have accepted me into their lives. This project has forever changed me.”
