Juniper Nims Capstone - Bedside Table(au)s

Teenage bedrooms act as a sanctuary, a place to be yourself, where you’re allowed to make yourself at home, making the room completely yours. For many, this involves the accumulation of items, utilitarian or decorative, on any surface available. The things we keep closest to us, most easily accessible at our most vulnerable-in our sleep-say a lot about us. Medicine, lamps, receipts, lotion, glasses, contacts, coins, keys, books, writing utensils, old food/drink. They show that we are more alike than it may appear. That at the end of the day we’re all just humans. However, not every teenager has the luxury of closely collecting material items that reflect who they are, or their daily routines, not every teenager has the luxury of a bedside table, or even a bed. My peers and I are extremely lucky to be able to participate in the material citizenship conveyed through this exhibit. All proceeds raised from the opening reception will be donated to Covenant House to support meals, housing, healthcare, and essential services for youth experiencing homelessness and trafficking in Philadelphia. - Juniper Nims

My capstone project was Bedside Table(au)s, a photo series featuring 20 Philadelphia teenagers bedside tables. The opening reception for the exhibit was a benefit for Covenant House PA, held on May 6th. The reception included performances by the SLA rock band, a DIY collage table, $5 and $1 secondhand clothing bins, handmade zines and snacks. It was a pay-what-u-wish event, and between entry donations, zine sales, and clothing sales, we raised $320 for CHPA. My mother donated this sum to CHPA through Comcast, her employer’s donation portal, which means Comcast will match that donation in 60 days-so $640 total to CHPA!