"Through The Lens" is an award winning arts enrichment program that was originally developed for the patients at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford, CT. Inspired by my other endeavor- Playtivity, the concept is simple: put a digital camera in the hands of a child and give them the opportunity to see their world come alive. Equipped with the camera and their natural sense of wonder, participants become more aware of themselves and their community. Students explore their surroundings and use photography as a tool to be creative and connect with the subjects they are learning.

Participants learn about digital cameras and photographic techniques as they go, but mainly we work on projects that are chosen by the school.

"Through The Lens" arts enrichment programs can be applied to schools, camps, museums and libraries. We will work with you to develop an integrated program that is appropriate for just about any setting and inclusive for those with special needs.
Here's just a few potential applications:

~ Work in partnership with existing curriculum to utilize photography skills to enhance projects in language and visual arts, physics or natural sciences, math and social studies. 
~ Use photojournalism to build cultural bridges for students and their community through themed assignments.
~ Use self portraiture and poetry to explore self image and boost self esteem.
~ Create projects that involves observing the natural environment.
~ Anti-Bully Poster Project called "Walk A Mile In My Shoes"
~ Use macro (close up) photography to gain a new perspective on small objects such as shells, feathers, polished stones, leaves, flowers, etc.
~ Utilize students skills to create a wide variety of expressive art projects which could include: community art galleries, photo montage posters or murals, photo journals, Power Point presentations, international exchange.
~ Collaborate with local art museum or gallery to create an exhibit of student work.
~ Collaborate with local or school newspaper to publish students work.

One of the first students to participate in the program asked to do it again the following week. When we got together the next time he said, "I'm looking at things differently now." That's what "Through The Lens" is all about!

New For 2011! Young Audiences/VSA is now offering youth media workshops & residencies that involve digital filmmaking projects. Students will use high tech tools to tell their stories, connect to the subjects they are learning about and create documentaries and narrative films. Contact Young Audiences to discuss how your school can benefit from this great new program.