During the Open World and Kern Country Friendship Force exchange in 2007, Dina Kova, artist from Russia, and Greg Iger, professional photographer from Bakersfield California, originated an idea to document the obvious common characteristics of the two countries: happy, smiling people. They observed that "Despite geographic, cultural and political boundaries that separates us, our smiles show how much alike we really are". When Dina returned to Russia she solicited photos of happy smiling people and Greg did the same in the United States. They chose to pair common photos of people in various situations and the result was a pictorial essay that has been viewed in Russia and Kern County, California. You are invited to download and view "Open World Smiles"
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