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Promoting passions

As a music education major, Amy Kraus has a passion for vocal and band programs in schools.

That's why she decided to get her hand stamped with a temporary tattoo and her picture taken for what will be the world's largest photo mosaic.

Kraus was among the area residents who arrived Tuesday at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center, 1616 W. Crawford, to participate in the "I AM EQUAL" human rights photo campaign.

Project organizers Jason Beckett and Matt Spencer, who are based in Salt Lake City, are visiting 175 cities worldwide during a seven-year period to compile more than 125,000 individual photos of people from all walks of life.

The resulting collection will be part of a world record-breaking photo mosaic of 2-inch tiles covering more than 8,000 square feet that will be built in Washington, D.C., and then taken on a five-year tour of North America and Europe.

Beckett formerly worked in marketing and said he's in a financial position that doesn't require him to secure outside funding for the project. Spencer works as a fashion photographer.

Kraus, 19, knew she wanted to be part of this ambitious undertaking.

"I'm excited to get my picture taken and share it with others," she said.

So, why participate?

While being part of the mosaic is a thrill, Kraus is even more excited about the project's other purpose. Kraus and other participants are being photographed with their palms facing the camera, revealing a temporary tattoo that says "i am =," a symbol meant to bring attention to their personal passion, humanitarian issue, charity or outreach project or commitment to community service.

Those participating in the free photo shoot will receive a copy of their photo by email within a few weeks, Beckett said. The point of the project is for participants then to share their photo and personal message by putting their picture online or showing it to others to start a conversation.

"Some people want world peace, some have specific issues like genital mutilation in Africa," Spencer said. "The goal is to get people involved in their passions."

Kraus, a music education major at Kansas State University, wants to bring more attention to music programs in the schools.

"I'm studying to be a band teacher, so music education directly impacts me," she said. "It's a big thing for me and I want to share that."

For Special Olympics

Salinan Savannah Price, 18, said she decided to participate to raise more attention for the Special Olympics.

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