Stephanie Andelman, Nederland. Daniel Wade asked his NMSHS photography students to come up with a way to show their works while raising money for the photography program. They suggested an art show that could be exhibited for days in Nederland, where their pieces would be sold for a profit. Daniel guided his 24 students to put together such a show at Salto, and it met all of their expectations this past Saturday, April 27. 

Each student was required to select their best photo, then print, mat, and frame it for display. They decided to start the show with an auction bidding format, and 10 displayed photographs sold for at least $75. The remaining 15 pieces were then priced at $50 through yesterday, May 1. Monies raised went to cover the costs of preparing the photographs for sale and to pay for supplies needed in their classroom. 

As a teacher in the Science and English Language Development Departments at NMSHS, Daniel helped clean out the Art Department in preparation of the school’s remodel. He found old photo gear that had gathered dust for ten years and was inspired to pass along his passion for photography this school year. An inkjet print machine and film scanners were purchased after a successful fundraising campaign, so students mostly work in the digital format. They often shoot on 35 mill film rolls, develop them into negatives, and digitally print from these negatives; there is no dark room. The program is still looking for digital camera donations from the community to use with the nearly 30 students enrolled for next year.

Students critique each other’s work every month and participate in design thinking sessions. Many young gifted photographers have come to light. Whether they capture images of landscapes, wildlife, events, pets, structures, or people, they are learning how a camera is simply one step to viewing the world.

If you have equipment to donate, or would like to look at any photographs still for sale, please contact Daniel Wade, PG at daniel.wade@bvsd.org.

(Originally published in the May 2, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)