The Arts In Abbotsford: Imagine Book Launch For Matthew’s House

By Doreen Jung. When a child is born, so is a dream. For many that dream includes living a healthy, happy life. Matthew was born in October 2000. [Click On Image For Full Story]

Editor’s Note: All Photos Courtesy Revival Arts Studio. Please Click On Photos For Full Size.

Evangeline, Salome, Jaxon and Avery are captivated by slide show

Complications at his birth left him severely brain damaged. All his life he was completely dependent on others to help him meet his needs.
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He required a feeding tube, had uncontrollable seizures, was cortically blind, and had respiratory problems. He also suffered from chronic pain because his body was twisted with scoliosis and contractures of limbs.
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Matthew could not communicate verbally but his smile could light up a room. Loved deeply by his parents, family, friends, and all who worked with him, Matthew’s life inspired Matthew’s house.
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It will be a place in Abbotsford where children with life-limiting disabilities can receive respite care allowing their parents some time to rest.

Dawn mesmerizes audience with her juggling

On August 14, 2010, just before his 10th birthday, Matthew passed away. The legacy of his life remains. He inspired many people including Jason and Darcie Brown.
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A husband and wife team of photographers, Jason and Darcie work together in their photography business, Revival Arts Studio. They enjoy “creating innovative, artsy portraits that capture life from an original perspective.”

Photography began as a hobby for Jason and Darcie. Their first camera was a used one bought in 1997 from the Buy and Sell. Jason took photography courses at UFV and they both completed the photography program at Langara College.
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Jason loved to express himself through his photography while Darcie enjoyed learning about the business end of photography.
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Together they worked to move their photography from a hobby to a full time business.

Now they have found success in many areas of photography. They work with children, families, pets, and people. They cover weddings and other events. Jason has studied drafting and architecture leading him into architectural landscape photography. On the creative edge, his camera captures abstract scenes and unique perspectives.

Jason and Darcie place great importance on giving back and they have supported many community organizations. Their most recent project was completed in support of Matthew’s House.

Anna, Emma, Isabel and Ruby on the red carpet with Imagine book

On November 28th, 2010, Jason and Darcie Brown launched their first book of children’s photography at a red carpet event at the Reach Museum Gallery. Their book, entitled “Imagine” features individual portraits of 153 children from the Fraser Valley.
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With stunning pictures coupled with heartwarming messages, the book reaches out to the hearts of all viewers. Inspired by the vision of Matthew’s House, Jason and Darcie decided they would like to support its cause by donating the photo session fees to Matthew’s House.

The “Imagine” book launch was a celebration of all the people involved in producing the book as well as those who are working towards the building of Matthew’s House.
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The Reach staff counted over 120 people in attendance at the launch including many of the children whose photographs were in the book.

The children enjoyed walking in on the red carpet and making a grand entrance. Four sisters, Anna, Emma, Isabel, and Ruby posed at the door with the “Imagine” book.

Once inside the Reach, guests were entertained by Dawn, an amazing roaming contact juggler.

Andrea Froese shares the story of Matthew's House

Matthew’s mother, Andrea Froese spoke about Matthew’s life, describing her journey with him and the loss of a beloved son. She shared her hopes for Matthew’s House and their drive to build it.

Darcie and Jason presented slideshows of all the photographs in the book. The rapt attention seen on the children’s faces as they watched the show was a testament to the connection the photographers made with their subjects.

“Imagine” is available for purchase at the Revival Arts Studio. For more information, check www.rastudio.ca

A second book is planned with photography beginning in January 2011. Jason and Darcie are accepting nominations for photographs for this book. The session fees will again be donated to Matthew’s House and each child’s photograph will be published in the book. Visit www.imaginekids.ca for more information and to sign up. You can learn more about Matthew’s House at http://www.mattshouse.ca

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Doreen Jung

Editor’s Note: Doreen Jung is a member of the Abbotsford Arts Council and former Arts Administrator. Her column on The Arts in Abbotsford appears here regularly.
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For more of Jason and Darcie Brown’s work Click Here.

Jason and Darcie work together to provide innovative, artsy portraits that capture life from an original perspective. They combine their diverse backgrounds in fine art, music and dance to create an artistic, visual legacy for their clients.