SMCM St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s “Through the Lens” Exhibition to run Dec. 18 – Jan. 31 at Lexington Park Library

St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s “Through the Lens” Exhibition to run Dec. 18 – Jan. 31 at Lexington Park Library Gretchen Phillips December 15, 2021 - 10:35 am
December 15, 2021
Portrait of a young man with the words 'Defining Community through Photography


St. Mary’s College of Maryland announces the “Through the Lens” exhibition taking place at the Lexington Park Library,21677 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Blvd., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 – Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. The vernissage (preview) takes place Dec. 21 from 4-5 p.m.

A photography mentorship program, the “Through the Lens” exhibition was launched in recognition of the increasing urgency to address equity issues, and to give voice to underrepresented communities. The exhibition is sponsored by St. Mary’s College’s division of Inclusive Diversity, Equity, Access and Accountability (IDEAA) and Department of Art and Art History, along with St. Mary’s County Arts Council and Community Bank of Chesapeake.

This free-to-participate program was a hands-on learning opportunity for underrepresented youths ages 16-18 (grades 10-12), led by St. Mary’s College students. Participants reflected on their communities and voiced their concerns through photography, also known as the photovoice method. They learned to master the use of professional photography equipment, had the opportunity to display their works in an exhibition, and a chance to earn two college credits upon the successful completion of the program.

The photovoice method is a highly recognized participatory research method and a form of visual anthropology. St. Mary’s College student mentors – James Than, Abigail Planta, Jazmine Kellmell, Jay Mendoza and Piper Deleon – under the guidance of St. Mary’s College Assistant Professor of Photography Tristan Cai, designed a set of lessons and photography prompts that fostered critical consciousness and a sense of agency in participants. The goal: through choosing, discussing and reflecting on the subjects of their photographs created in response to the prompts, participants would be empowered and come to a clearer understanding of the economic, social, psychological and political forces that shape them. The pictures teach, raise discourse and foster understanding from the larger community.
 
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