‘A Thousand Smiles: Images from Kenya’ coming to Colorado Mountain College in Aspen

Photo of young Kenyan girl named Dorcas. — “Dorcas” is one of the images included in “A Thousand Smiles in Kenya,” an exhibit at CMC-Aspen by Roaring Fork Valley photojournalist Kate Lapides of her recent trip to Kenya with For the Good Period. Photo Kate Lapides

For Kate Lapides, not all that occurs in Africa is about poverty and despair. On a trip last fall with fellow members of For the Good Period, a local humanitarian organization, she captured with her camera faces filled with hope, beauty and happiness.

Those photos are the focus of a photography exhibit, “A Thousand Smiles: Images from Kenya,” that highlights the organization’s work and is being hosted by Colorado Mountain College in Aspen through May 6. A public opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 11.

Photo of Kenyan girls lining up to receive free pads — Photojournalist Kate Lapides took photos of these Kenyan girls as they came to the village of Mugatuni for educational sessions with volunteers from For the Good Period. An opening reception of an exhibit of Lapides’ photos will be held at Colorado Mountain College’s Aspen campus on Feb. 11. Photo Kate Lapides

For the Good Period provides impoverished teenaged girls in Kenya with education, support and access to much-needed feminine hygiene products.

Colorado Mountain College in Aspen is at 255 Sage Way, at the Aspen Airport Business Center. For more information, including hours when the gallery is open for viewing, contact the campus at 970-925-7740.