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Exhibit Reveals Hopes And Dreams Of People With Down Syndrome

By Steve Kraske,

Published September 7, 2021 at 3:35 PM CDT

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CJ's portrait and story are featured in the exhibit "Just As I Am."

Photographer Randy Bacon presents video and still photos of his subjects to allow others to view life and the world as people with Down syndrome do.

In a captivating set of black and white portraits, Springfield, Missouri photographer Randy Bacon invites you to experience the life views of people with Down syndrome.

Inspired by his niece who has the additional chromosome that causes the syndrome, Bacon believes that chromosome gives "those with Down syndrome an extraordinary ability to see the good, the joy, and the beauty in this world that the rest of us can’t see."

Randy Bacon, photographer and documentarian

"Just As I Am" is on exhibit at the Leedy Voulkos Art Center, 2012 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108, 11 a.m - 5 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, through October 30, 2021. Admission is free.

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Reginald David

As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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