The Central Virginia Heart Gallery, one of more than 120 Heart Galleries across the United States, is an exhibit of thirty photographic portraits of older children in foster care who hope to be adopted. Professional photographers donate their time and talent to create portraits designed to reveal the soul of each child. Heart Galleries have been extremely effective in increasing adoption rates since they began a mere eight years ago. The first Central Virginia Heart Gallery was held in 2007; to date, two thirds of the children featured have been adopted. The exhibit will be displayed at the Children’s Museum of Richmond until May 4 and will travel throughout the region for the remainder of the year.

Thirty photographic portraits displayed throughout the lobby at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. Social Workers will be available to talk about foster care, adoption and the impact of Heart Galleries.