UTICA - Most people use a camera to try and capture a memory, but with the Heart Gallery Exhibit, photographers are attempting to capture something else...and that's hope.

With its origins beginning in 2001 in New Mexico, Heart Gallery's have found themselves sprouting throughout the country. The exhibit travels across the state to assist with educating local communities about adopting youth.

"Factors like age, and circumstance play a part against their chances," said Heather Ainsworth, one of the photographers contributing her talent to the cause. "This is a way to showcase the positive aspects of these kids that will hopefully help them achieve adoption…permanent placement somewhere."

The exhibit features 50 portraits of Central New York youth that are awaiting adoption, along with video messages from the children themselves…all in the hope of finding them a permanent home.

"They touch your heart," said Shanice Walker, Adoption Unit Supervisor with Oneida County Department of Social Services. "If you work with them, they’re sitting in the system and just waiting for someone to come forth and want to include them in their family."

"Family is very important to me," said Gail Haile, coordinator for the photographers in the exhibit and a photographer herself. "It’s a basic need like air and water. And if one of these kids can get adopted from this then it’s all worth it. And some of them have."

"One of the children I photographed last year got adopted, and that was wonderful," said Marilu Lopez-Fretts, a photographer who's taken part in the exhibit for two years now. "And then one of the children that I photographed for this year - they took down her picture because she got placed in a home, and that is the ultimate goal."

The exhibit will be on display at the Utica Public Library during regular library hours until July 31.

Currently there are more than 1,400 children in New York State who are waiting for a permanent home. And hopefully with the help of exhibits such as this, those numbers will begin to come down.