The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of May 30, 2026

A vertically oriented black-and-white photograph depicts a woman and child with light skin tones. The woman stands centered, facing us with visible teeth. She wears a dark sleeveless top and light pants. Behind her, a child leans over her shoulder, wrapping an arm around her neck. She holds the child’s forearm and a small toy figure. A watch is on her wrist. Blurred trees and buildings form the background.

Diana Paliotto and Andrew

1990

Melissa Shook

(American, 1939–2020)
America
gelatin silver print
Image: 43.2 x 28.9 cm (17 x 11 3/8 in.)
Gift of Kristina Shook and Estate of M. Melissa Shook 2025.185.41
© Kristina Shook and Estate of M. Melissa Shook
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

It is estimated that over 5,000 people experience homelessness in Cuyahoga County annually.

Description

Melissa Shook’s portraits and interviews of women in homeless shelters arose from her experiences volunteering at women’s shelters in Boston. In 1992, two Cleveland social service agencies, the Federation for Community Planning and Cleveland Health Care for the Homeless, invited her to photograph women in Cleveland shelters. Her images reveal the challenges these women face, their resilience and determination to rebuild their lives, and the societal and personal cost of homelessness.
  • ?–2025
    (Estate of Melissa Shook, via Miyako Yoshinga Gallery, New York, NY), given to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
    June 9, 2025–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Diana Paliotto and Andrew|url=false|author=Melissa Shook|year=1990|access-date=30 May 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2025.185.41