THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 24, 1997 TAG: 9701230118
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 60 lines
Baby, baby, baby.
For many folks, the mere mention of the word conjures up all kinds of cute images and pleasant thoughts. Chubby cherubs, Huggies commercials and the Gerber baby top the list for many.
But as all mommies and daddies know, the road through parenthood isn't paved with blue booties and pink pajamas.
That was the idea behind ``B.A.B.Y. T.A.L.K.,'' a free community forum on parenting sponsored by the Virginia Center for Contemporary Art. The frank hourlong discussion was part of the opening reception for ``B.A.B.Y.,'' the center's thought-provoking exhibit that features baby-theme work by 23 artists.
According to Ridgely Ingersoll, director of public relations for the center, the exhibit was a perfect springboard for a discussion on the realities of parenting.
``The artwork is a departure of what people are used to,'' Ingersoll said. ``Because it's such a departure, it's possible that it could make some people uncomfortable. They're welcome to talk about that here.''
And so they did. In front of 50-plus visitors and artist Marion Wilson's ``Flagellations'' - a 27-foot long piece of disturbing collages and quotes - moderator Barbara Ciara, WVEC-TV news anchor, and nine panelists engaged in ``B.A.B.Y. T.A.L.K.''
Each of the panelists shared his or her knowledge and expertise, whether personal, professional or both, on a variety of topics, including everything from ``mother guilt'' to foster care.
``Historically, artists have portrayed infants, children and mothers from a misty-eyed, idealized perspective, you know the Madonna and child syndrome,'' Ciara said. ``And rarely have artists examined the full range of emotions parents deal with in raising children.''
Karen Finley's ``Relaxation Room'' explores one of them: the trials and tribulations of labor. This series of three up-close photos of the actual birthing process is one of the more controversial pieces, Ciara noted, because for some women and many men, ``it's difficult to watch.''
``What makes it uncomfortable is that it's a photograph,'' said panelist Taylor Dabney, a photographer represented in the exhibit. ``The immediacy, the sense of truth, the reality of photographs bring something home.''
Teen and single parenthood, as well as sex education, also were addressed.
``It's very hard trying to take care of a child, finish school and have a job,'' said Kerrica Boone, 19, a senior at Portsmouth's Norcom High.
Added Julie Pease, a 21-year-old single mom from Portsmouth, ``Having a child is wonderful if you're willing to accept the responsibility that comes with it.'' MEMO: The B.A.B.Y. exhibit continues through March 2 at the Virginia
Center for Contemporary Art. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by HOLLY WESTER
Moderator Barbara Ciara of WVEC stands while panelists exchange
ideas at ``B.A.B.Y. T.A.L.K.,'' a free community forum on parenting
sponsored by the Virginia Center for Contemporary Art. Panelists,
from left, are Deborah Winnie Peterson, with Child and Family
Service; Dr. Willette LeHew, an obstetrician; Sherry Norfleet, with
Planned Parenthood; and Dr. Amy Riccio, a pediatrician.