Newtown Library Welcomes Artists Dr. Anita Foeman & Brooklyn McTavish

Before “Finding Your Roots” became a PBS hit, and DNA tests became Christmas presents, Dr. Anita Foeman was teaching DNA analysis, ethnic histories, and diversity skills to communication majors at West Chester University.

Dr. Foeman is a scholar of intercultural and organizational communication and is founder of the DNA Discussion Project. She described her groundbreaking work:

When I started the DNA Discussion project, it was hard to find any labs in the country that did the testing, and the DNA analysis was extremely primitive. (The gene pool was not the vast resource it is now.) Yet we managed to get the results in a timely manner and compared them with my students’ predictions and expectations. The results were often enlightening – and led to deeper levels of self-awareness for the students. The data helped them appreciate the travels and travails that their ancestors may have endured, and how those roots can support and mold them today.

While Professor Foeman’s DNA, Ancestry, and Diversity work has been featured in media outlets like NPR, the BBC, NOVA and a TedXTalk, it was a New York Times article that caught Brooklyn McTavish’s attention.

Brooklyn McTavish, an extraordinary portrait photographer and social psychologist, reached out because he also utilizes DNA tests to help his clients discover their past genetic links.

He starts his process with a video interview, documenting what the client’s parents related about their heritage. Then he processes their DNA test, and they discuss the results together. That ongoing communication then culminates in a series of portraits that reflect the subject’s various ancestors.

Brooklyn and his team bring that heritage to life through period-accurate costumes, makeup, and hair. His patrons literally embody their ancestors’ identities. Clients often express how comfortable they feel in the attire that was germane to their relatives, and sometimes weep at the connections.

Brooklyn’s capacity to illuminate the personal histories of his patrons can be life-changing. His portraits range from a powerful female toreador to a distinguished Jewish scholar, to a regal African leader, to…many other studies which grace the walls of the library during January and February.

Inspired by their DNA art collaboration, and Brooklyn’s profoundly moving portraits, Dr. Foeman became motivated to start her own artworks. She selects specific stones, eggs, and ornaments, and decorates them with elaborate designs and patterns. Anita’s gorgeous 3-dimensional art enhances our appreciation for intercultural awareness and historical identities, and dovetails beautifully with Brooklyn’s diverse portfolio of photographs.

Newtown Public Library welcomes you to come and see this marvelous exhibit during the first two months of 2024 – our 75th anniversary! Enjoy the art, celebrate your own heritage, and start a historically successful New Year!

For more information about Brooklyn McTavish’s portrait photography, contact

studio@brooklynmctavish.com Mobile: 917.634.5438 and visit www.brooklynmctavish.com

Dr. Anita Foeman is available via AFoeman@wcupa.edu and through Venmo @Anita-Foeman.

The Newtown Square Public Library is located at 201 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square, PA. Call (610) 353-1022, see our Facebook page, or visit http://www.newtownlibrary.org