October 2022
In youth Mark Chester's penchant to discover places and people began, National Geographic, his guide. For forty years with wanderlust and curiosity, he covered the continents photographing cultural landscapes. He's come full circle - traveling the world not leaving the state.
His book The Bay State: A Multicultural Landscape features a collection of informal, environmental portraits of ethnic diversity in Massachusetts. 400+ photographs that represent over 190 countries are touring the state. A companion book that will become part of Dennis Public Library's collection will bring awareness to cultural diversity. His project supports the mission of The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), the largest coalition in New England promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees.