Discover the "Fauxtographic" World of Familiar Faces this October at Behringer-Crawford Museum

Behringer-Crawford Museum is proud to be a participating venue in the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial: backstories, featuring the reflective exhibition Familiar Faces by local artist Mark Schlachter. The exhibit will be on display throughout October, with an opening reception with live music and refreshments on Sunday, Sep. 29, from 2-4 p.m. 

Familiar Faces is a unique "fauxtodocumentary" project that unveils the hidden stories of a fictional community, Ersatz, Indiana's 93rd county,  nestled somewhere between the imaginary realms of El Dorado and Brigadoon, Indiana. The photographs artfully combine humor and introspection with an extraordinary cast of characters who reside in this faux county.  

One particularly compelling photograph, "Elmer and Heather," depicts a quiet moment between two figures at a small-town diner, The Mixing Bowl. On a cold November morning, Heather, a drenched stranger, entered with just $1.37 and asked for whatever food it could buy. Elmer, the owner, responded with a feast. Instead of leaving, Heather stayed, sweeping floors and helping during the lunch rush. Five years later, Heather is still part of the diner’s fabric, her past unknown, but her bond with Elmer is a testament to the quiet, unexpected connections that form in everyday places.

Aligning perfectly with the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial theme, backstories, Familiar Faces emphasizes the deeper, often hidden narratives behind what is easily visible and invites viewers to look beyond the surface and discover the stories and relationships that shape this imagined yet familiar community.

Exhibit Details:

Dates: September 29 – October 31, 2024

Admission: Included with museum admission; free for FotoFocus Passport holders

Opening Reception: Sunday, September 29, 2-4 p.m. (Free admission)

Meet & Greet with Artist Mark Schlachter: Saturday, October 12, 2-4 p.m.

Schlachter will host a gallery tour and talk about his work.

Free for BCM members and FotoFocus Passport holders.

Admission for future members: $9 (adults), $8 (seniors 60+), $5 (children).

To learn more about the FotoFocus Passport program, providing free access to hundreds of exhibitions and events across Greater Cincinnati, and to view the full slate of FotoFocus Biennial projects, visit fotofocus.org.