Photography and the search for meaning

PSA Journal, May, 2003 by Gwenn Karel Levine

During the semester, we distributed our first press release (written by a PR person who volunteered to do it), met with the local arts council, developed an invitation list of 200 for the exhibit/ reception, made presentations to two Rotary Clubs, and invited professional photographers to be guest speakers.

In addition, we took 11 of the children to a "Photographers Forum" on photojournalism as art. It was sponsored by Bergen County Camera, Westwood, NJ, and held at a Marriott Hotel. This was such a rare treat for the PYPP students that they seemed to walk a bit taller by the time the evening ended. The teachers were happy, too, because PYPP was the beneficiary of this event, ultimately receiving a $1,700 donation.

In June 2002, 90 people attended our first reception at the Paterson Museum, including PYPP students and their families, PYPP partner agencies and teachers, photographers, directors of various city departments, an aide from the local Congressman's office, vendors, representatives of banks, a reporter from The Ridgewood News, and City Councilmen.

When the children's names were called, they each stood up and walked to the place where their framed photos were displayed on the gallery wall. When all their names had been called, they received a standing ovation. They felt so proud and self-confident that three of the students spontaneously volunteered to make short speeches about what they had learned from PYPP.

The exhibit included 53 photos, each with an accompanying label identifying the name and grade of the photographer, the title of the photo, and a comment about it written by the photographer. Those who attended the exhibit were surprised and delighted at the quality and creativity of the PYPP photos and the touching comments that accompanied them. Some of these comments were as follows:

* "This photograph shows a baby with lots of joy."

* "I caught his attitude."

* "He is a good person to me."

* "I picked this picture because I love going to church!"

* "I took this photograph to capture the happy moment on my sisters' faces."

* "I love my family very much."

* "I love my brother because he helps me with my homework."

* "Bright flowers are always joyful."

* "I like to be funny. Maybe someday I'll be famous."

* "I took this photograph because of the way it's shaped."

* "I really like to take pictures of bright colors."

* "I wanted to show people what I see every day."

* "I ... am never alone. I'm always with a friend or my family."

* "I ... love God a lot and whatever happens to me, he is always going to protect me."

I submitted six of the exhibit photos for consideration in a countywide photography contest sponsored by United Way of Passaic County. One of them, taken by a 12-year-old PYPP student, won "best in show."

After three weeks at the Paterson Museum, the exhibit traveled to Washington Mutual Bank in the neighboring suburban town of Wayne, NJ; the Passaic County Cultural and Heritage Council; the Paterson Library; and a Barnes & Noble store in the Palisade Center shopping mall in nearby Rockland County, NY.