Bold Beauty Project to open in Central Texas

Deb Lewin was an international athlete, representing two countries in field hockey and squash for a time, until her car was broadsided in 1996.

“I sustained a traumatic brain injury, resulting in left side paralysis, spinal fusions, chronic pain and was confined to a wheelchair,” Lewin said. “I call this 'my opportunity.'”

Lewin is one of 20 incredible women affected by various disabilities and health challenges who eagerly modeled for Bold Beauty Project Texas. Bold Beauty Project is a powerful, visual arts exhibition that features women with varying disabilities. Through the photographer’s lens and the women’s personal stories, the project seeks to raise awareness of the women’s strength, sensuality and spirit, and in the process, change perceptions of beauty.

Bold Beauty Project (BBP) began in 2006 as Uncensored Life: Raw Beauty, a photography show that benefited the Center for Independent Living. Conceived by Shelly Baer, a licensed clinical social worker, and Vanessa Silberman, active in PR, their goal was to create a story of women with disabilities that would shatter all preconceived beauty paradigms.

Today the project continues with a new team and a new name. Dr. Eva Ritvo, a psychiatrist and co-author of The Beauty Prescription and board member of United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida, is committed to helping all women embrace their inner and outer beauty. Sharing the same passion, Eva and Shelly launched Bold Beauty Project in 2015 at the Anacostia Gallery in Washington, D.C., as a fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy.

Bold Beauty Project Texas is the latest installation of the photographic exhibition and now, a team of volunteers and artists in Wimberley have embarked on bringing this powerful project to Texas.

Several venues have been reserved to display the works and each will include opening receptions where guests can meet many of the models and photographers.

The initial show will be at Messina Inn in Wimberley, Jan. 11 and will run through Jan. 13, with the reception on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. Next is Walkers' Gallery in the San Marcos Activity Center, from Jan. 12 through Feb. 15 with the reception on Friday, Jan. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The exhibition will then go to The People's Gallery at the City Hall in Austin from Feb. 5 through the end of 2019 with the reception on Friday, Feb. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. Old Bakery Emporium will feature the exhibit in their second floor gallery from April 5 through May 1, with the reception on Friday, April 5, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Details about Bold Beauty Project Texas, the venues, receptions and upcoming events may be found on the Bold Beauty Project Texas' website.