In the fall of 1997 the Whyte Museum presented an exhibition of photographic portraits of Tibetan people by Phil Borges. It inspired an idea to create an exhibition of portraits taken in our own community.
We talked to a selected group of high school students from Banff and
Canmore and outlined a five-month schedule, working towards an exhibition
of portraits. For most of the students this was their first exposure (pun
not intended) to the photographic process. They were introduced to the key
elements of photography; light and composition. We talked about what is
behind the camera — the photographer: the mind, the eye, the heart. My
intent was to encourage these young photographers; and with them, to
create an exhibition about what is special about where we live. This was
the beginning of Through the Lens , a Whyte Museum project that continues
to grow from this initial idea.
The project began with two schools and nine students. At the completion of last year, eighty-nine students, representing four schools, from grades seven through twelve, had participated. They have produced over two hundred and sixty exhibition quality photographs. Now in its fifth year, four schools and thirty-nine students will participate.
In partnership with the Canadian Rockies School Division No.12 of Banff and Canmore, and the Stoney School District of Morley, we have worked together towards the mutual goals of learning, developing creativity and self esteem. Through the ongoing support of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and the generous contributions by The Camera Store in Calgary, Larson Juhl, CIBC, Pentax, Saunders Enlargers and Ilford, this project continues to encourage the participants to experiment, to learn about themselves, their community and the exciting medium of visual communication.
"I've always had the math
and sciences but I have never had the arts. I couldn't draw a stickman to
save my life. I used to watch my friends involved in this project over
theyears and I thought, maybe, just maybe I could do that. And I did! And
now I hope people will look at my photographs and be able to see what it
is that excites me."
– Brittany Schneider, 2001, Grade
12, Canmore
Collegiate High School
We invite you to join us for this years Through the Lens exhibit at the Whyte Museum from January 18 to May 19, 2008.