Artist: Rylan Steele

Project: Ave Maria

Description: Rylan Steele’s Ave Maria is an investigation of the 5000-acre unincorporated town that goes by the same name. Founded in South Florida by pizza mogul Tom Monaghan, Ave Maria was built in 2005 and marketed to retirees and young families alike as a utopia for strict Catholics. However, the community was hit hard by both the 2008 housing crisis and a severe mosquito infestation, leaving it unclear how, or if, Ave Maria will succeed.

Eyes on the South is curated by Jeff Rich. The weekly series features selections of current work from Southern artists, or artists whose photography concerns the South. To submit your work to the series, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..