The "Corapeake" exhibition of photography and stories is presented as pages from Kendall Messick’s journal. The two mixed media journals that Messick created during the course of the seven year project form the heart of the exhibition. Each volume is presented in one of two custom display cases that were created to complement the exhibit. Also displayed are a woman’s hat featured in the documentary and a handmade quilt made by a Corapeake resident to cover Messick’s journals. The dimensions of each display unit are as follows: pedestal base 2’(w) x 2’(d) x 3’6"(h) and lucite top 2’(w) x 2’(d) x 2’(h). 

The exhibition consists of forty-six black and white silver gelatin photographs. Each piece is individually framed with matching hardwood frames. An assemblage construction of found objects from Corapeake completes the installation. 

Thirty-four of the photographs are mounted on handmade rag paper and include handwritten stories quoted from the documentary that expand upon each image. Each piece also includes within the frame a unique collage border of period newspaper (1912-1956) that was formerly used as wallpaper in a now-abandoned Corapeake home. This detail expands upon the themes introduced in the photographs and stories. It also represents the wall coverings that were typical of modest, rural homes during the early twentieth century. The thirty-four mixed media pieces measure approximately 20" x 24" in their respective frames. 

The remaining twelve photographs have been enlarged to 34" x 46.5" (10 pieces) and 47" x 47" (2 pieces) framed. Each of the larger works is mounted on linen and does not include text, collage or handmade paper backing.

The assemblage measures 48” x 72” and is a reconstructed wall from a Corapeake home that was once wallpapered with newspaper. This piece brings together the individual collage elements referenced above, placing them within the appropriate historical context. 

The Corapeake exhibition is to be hung scrapbook fashion with the larger photographs interspersed with the smaller ones. The sequencing of the images thematically follows the circle of life from cradle to grave. An introductory artist statement has been printed and mounted to open the exhibition. As a companion to the exhibition, the “Corapeake” film (Video or DVD) should be simultaneously screened in a continuous loop.