Ellen's Room, Angeline Christian Home, Cleveland

Melissa Shook’s portraits and interviews of women in homeless shelters arose from her experiences volunteering at women’s shelters in Boston. In 1992, two Cleveland social service agencies, the Federation for Community Planning and Cleveland Health Care for the Homeless, invited her to photograph women in Cleveland shelters. Her images reveal the challenges these women face, their resilience and determination to rebuild their lives, and the societal and personal cost of homelessness.

A horizontally oriented black-and-white photograph depicts a windowsill framed by dark curtains. On our left, a textured glass bottle sits near a small crystal. A large potted plant with heart-shaped leaves dominates the center, next to a tiny framed portrait. To the right, additional glass bottles and a seated figurine rest on the ledge. Bright light from the window silhouettes the dense foliage and illuminates the objects from behind.

Ellen's Room, Angeline Christian Home, Cleveland

1992

Melissa Shook

(American, 1939–2020)

America

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork

Artwork Page for Ellen's Room, Angeline Christian Home, Cleveland

Details / Information for Ellen's Room, Angeline Christian Home, Cleveland