"Recovering Humans":
A Photographic Journey of Resilience and Hope
Marty Keey, Photographer

Exhibition: April 30 - May 30, 2026

Reception & Artist Talk: Saturday, May 2, 1pm - 3pm

Additional Artist Presentation: Friday, May 29, 2026, 6pm,
as part of the Whitewater Storytelling Festival

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is honored to announce the upcoming exhibition, "Recovering Humans," a poignant photo-and-story series by celebrated artist Marty Keey. The exhibition will be on display at the Cultural Arts Center in Whitewater from Thursday, April 30, 2026, through Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Marty Keey's photo/story exhibition, “Recovering Humans”, offers a quiet, reflective experience. His photographs focus on moments shaped by hardship, resilience, and the humanity often hidden in plain sight.

Beyond the Surface: Stories of Success

Inspired by his own brief experience with homelessness, Keey sought to move beyond traditional "street photography" to capture something deeper. His work focuses specifically on success stories, highlighting individuals who have emerged from the shadows of incarceration, abuse, trafficking, and addiction. Each portrait is paired with a documented narrative, offering a window into the strength required to reclaim a life.

"I wanted to photograph people in recovery, but I wanted success stories," Keey explains. "Stories that offer hope, demonstrate resilience, determination, success, and strength. Maybe this would help break the preconceptions of people on the streets."

While many of Keey’s subjects hail from Southeastern Wisconsin, the project has expanded to include individuals met across the country. His work has gained international recognition, with past exhibitions spanning from Racine to Rome. Keey’s accolades include a second-place finish at the Cedarburg Art Museum’s “Iconic Wisconsin” and features in Art Dose Magazine.

Event Calendar & Opening Reception

The community is invited to a combined opening reception on Saturday, May 2, 2026. This event celebrates three concurrent exhibitions hosted by the WAA:

• "Recovering Humans" by Marty Keey

• "Kaleidoscoped" by Rhonda Kolander

• The Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) Whitewater Exhibition

Artist Presentations:

• Saturday, May 2: Marty Keey will deliver an artist talk during the opening reception.

• Friday, May 29: Keey will return to the Cultural Arts Center for a second presentation during the Open Mic Night, held as part of the WAA Whitewater Storytelling Festival.

For more information, contact: Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance • Phone: 608-201-2151 Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com • Website: whitewaterarts.org Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street Gallery Hours: Thursdays-Sundays, 12pm-4pm

Resources

 

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