UPDATE - 11/17@10:25AM: Here's an article covering the book in Samaritan Magazine (thanks Power Windows).

Last week I let you know about longtime Rush photographer/videographer Andrew MacNaughtan's latest project - a unique art book showcasing the beauty of Africa through a series of stunning black and white photographs called GRACE: Africa in Photographs. From 49st.com:

... MacNaughtan ... travelled to Tanzania and Kenya in November 2010 with the purpose of capturing the spirit and beauty of the landscapes, wildlife and people to raise funds for the prevention, care and advocacy of children in HIV/AIDS affected regions.

The idea to use these photographs in a book was taken a step further when MacNaughtan enlisted the help of friends in the recording industry to lend poetic voice to the images. More than 30 artists including Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Bryan Adams, Annie Lennox, Daniel Lanois, Hedley, Bruce Cockburn, Fefe Dobson, Ed Robertson, Jann Arden, Serena Ryder, Lights, Nikki Yanofsky and Tom Cochrane to name a few, graciously provided commentary to photos that inspired them.

Through ArtGivesHope, a charity founded by MacNaughtan in 2006, the sales of the limited edition images and book will support World Vision's Hope Program. His personal goal is to generate enough awareness and raise funds to sponsor 500 children in need.

The photographs will be exhibited at Arta Gallery beginning today and going through November 20th. Last night there was a gala at the gallery to kick off the exhibit and both Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were in attendance. Paul at the Canadian Music Scene was there and took a bunch of great photographs which you can check out on his website here. He also included images of the photos with the commentary provided by Geddy and Alex. Alex commented on Boy in Awe:

The future of humanity rests in the wondrous gaze of youth and the desire for knowledge. Given the opportunity, the minds behind those young eyes will create a better world for us all" -- Alex Lifeson

And Geddy's commentary was for a photograph titled Lion:

"Grace at rest... battle scars, confidence and majesty" -- Geddy Lee

Please help out if you are able by purchasing the book at the Art Gives Hope website. You can also directly sponsor a child for $40/month - just email World Vision for details.

NOTE: Posts over 10 years old are partially archived. All comments, images and other embedded media have been removed.