Dona Schwartz Libri

Dona Schwartz's environmental portraits examine two key transitions in life—becoming a first-time parent and adjusting to an empty nest when children have left home. In quotes accompanying the portraits, parents reveal their views on the changes awaiting them. On the Nest provides a poignant and often humorous look at these underexamined, yet defining moments that forever change our lives. The photographs reflect parents' hopes and expectations, as well as the struggle, anxiety—and joy—of childrearing. They also reflect the diversity of American family life by representing interracial couples, gay and lesbian couples, and single parents.

" In the Kitchen explores family life, youth culture, and coming of age. . . . The kitchen is the place in the house where our daily dramas are enacted. It's where, together, we make a mess of things and do our best to clean it all up."—Dona Schwartz "Brilliantly observed and captured vignettes of contemporary adolescence, organized around a single room."—Alison Nordström, curator of photography, George Eastman House Dona Schwartz , based in Minneapolis, has shown her photographs at many international venues, including the National Portrait Gallery, London, England; Blue Sky Gallery, Portland, Oregon; Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Stephen Bulger Gallery, Toronto, Canada; the New Orleans Art Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana; and FotoFest 2010 Biennial, Houston, Texas.