Make an
impact today

Support our mission alongside Changing the Face of Beauty
by helping to bring inclusive imagery into our communities

WE CAN BLEND IN
AND STAND OUT

Let’s collaborate

and bring awareness

Melissa Salvatore began working with children with disabilities and the arts 20 years ago as a Fulbright Scholar in Dublin, Ireland, where she introduced photography as a form of communication in Deaf and hard of hearing classrooms.

Now a resident of her community for 14 years, Melissa is thrilled to contribute public art to the place she calls home—a place where she’s raising her children and deeply invested in fostering inclusion and creativity.

Ten years ago, she partnered with Changing the Face of Beauty, supporting their mission and donating her photography to promote inclusive representation of people with disabilities in media and marketing.

This public art project is rooted in the idea that disabilities make individuals unique—not separate—and that everyone deserves to be seen as part of the larger community.

Hair & Make-Up Donated by Syd Genco
Video by Nico Fernandez
Talent Casted by Changing the Face of Beauty

The Vision

  • ✽

    Large Public Art Panels

    photographs of kids and young adults with disabilities photographed against surfaces that the blend into. Creating vibrant eye-catching art with simple messaging.

  • ✽

    Public Art within a small radius in order to catch visual attention through repetition

  • ✽

    Hosting a pop-up where photographs of kids, families and adults with disabilities can show up, feel supported and receive complimentary photographs.

“this project is close to my heart and
I hope to make it an ongoing contribution”

Melissa Salvatore
Photographer

This collaborative art installation, in partnership with Changing the Face of Beauty—a nonprofit advocating for equal representation of people with disabilities in media—will feature 5–8 large-scale public portraits under the theme: "Blend In and Stand Out."

These compelling images will showcase children and teens with disabilities blending into their environments while standing out through their unique expressions, celebrating the strength that diversity brings to our communities.

Branding & Messaging:



“Blend In & Stand Out”
+ Our differences make us stronger as a community.
+ People of all abilities contribute in meaningful ways.
+ Visibility in public spaces drives inclusion in everyday life.

Project Proposal

Public Art Installation & Gallery Opening

* Objective is to Increase awareness and engagement around inclusion and representation of people with disabilities. Attract a diverse audience, including families, advocates, and community members.

* Our photography team will set up a studio to encourage participation in the free photography experience on installation opening day - focused on on individuals with disabilities.

* The goal would be to build strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and media to maximize impact.

* Target audience is families of children and adults with disabilities, local disability advocacy groups such as Gigi’s Playhouse, Lurie’s Children’s Hospital and Changing the Face of Beauty. We would aim to get the attention of community leaders and policymakers along with the general public who are interested in diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Installation + Event

I see this as a unique form of public art that will activate a space and represent an underserved part of our community. A group of individuals who often don't get to be in the spotlight.

Many families face challenges bringing children with disabilities to traditional photoshoots due to accessibility issues or the stress of making it all work. At the gallery opening, we’ll create a welcoming, fully supported portrait studio designed to make the experience easy, enjoyable, and stress-free. While the community celebrates the art installation, families can capture beautiful portraits in an inclusive and accommodating environment.

Printing & Installation of Outdoor Temporary Exhibit - 8 images
Large-format weather-resistant prints (e.g., vinyl, metal, or acrylic) : $4,000

Mounting and Installation (signage, framing, securing in place, permits if needed) : $5,500

Photography Set-Up for Gallery Opening Photography Equipment Rental & Setup: $1,600

Marketing & Promotional Materials Printed Invitations/Flyers: $200 - $400

Social Media Ads & Promotion: $150 - $300

Event Signage (banners, wayfinding signs, etc.): $250 - $500

Estimated Project

Budget