Decorah, Iowa - The Heart Gallery of Iowa, a statewide traveling photography exhibit of Iowa children waiting to be adopted from foster care, will be on display September 25 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah from 1-3 p.m.

The exhibit brings awareness both to children waiting to be adopted from foster care and also to the urgent need for more foster and adoptive families in Iowa. Families who have adopted previously are also invited to attend and have a family portrait taken by a local photographer.

On December 31, 2010 over 6,300 children were in foster care in Iowa.

"We're very excited to bring the Heart Gallery to Decorah," said Deana Hageman, Iowa KidsNet licensing specialist. "Every child deserves a safe, loving and nurturing home, and Iowa has an ongoing need for more foster and adoptive families to come forward. This is a great opportunity for anyone who has ever wanted to know more about foster care or adoption to stop by and get their questions answered."

Following the open house for the Heart Gallery exhibit, Iowa KidsNet will host an information session from 3 - 5 p.m. at First Lutheran Church for those interested in learning more about foster care and adoption. This session covers basic information about Iowa's foster care system, the children in care and the process for becoming a foster parent. Registration for the information session is required in advance. Call Iowa Kidsnet at 1.800.243.0756 to learn more.

First Lutheran Church in Decorah is located at 604 W. Broadway Street.