Walking through the main hallway of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center will give observers a unique glimpse into the lives of some West Seattle youth. Through the end of February the walls will be lined with photos taken by students who studied photography this fall at the Southwest Interagency Academy.
The Southwest Interagency Academy is home to about 35 students, grades six through twelve, who have not been successful at other schools. Some may have been expelled, had difficulties with attendance while or entered the district late in the year.
Susan Baalim, a teacher at the school, explains that many of these students are more successful at the Interagency Academy’s less traditional structure.
This fall Dawn Samuelson, a photography teacher from the non-profit organization Right Brain Center for the Arts, lead a class at the academy. She saw many students thrive when given the opportunity to express themselves creatively.
“They’re kids that society has maybe deemed troubled, but they’re really great kids,” says Samuelson. “It was very rewarding.”
Baalim noticed that the class had an exceptionally high attendance record and that students seemed excited to get their photos printed.
“They really got involved (in the class) and really loved it,” says Baalim.
For the final exhibit Samuelson asked her students to submit photos which represented their lives. The result is an impressive mix of mature perspectives. Students took photos of their neighborhood, homes, friends, families and even pets, and they truly do give a glimpse into the lives of these young people.
“It was exciting because I’d never done photography before,” said 14-year-old Aariana Williams, a student in Samuelson’s class.
Miguel Martinez, a 16-year-old in the class said that Samuelson taught him to look at photography in a new way. He added that he never imagined he would be a part of an exhibit.
“The work that they came out with is amazing,” says Samuelson. “The show is really strong because it talks about who these kids are.”
The Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is located at 4408 Delridge Way S.W. For more information call (206) 935-2999.
