Through the lens at RCHS
Rappahannock County High School students are taking the next step beyond iPhone cameras and learning point- and- shoot photography basics in an after school workshop at the high school. The workshop, sponsored by the Rappahannock Association for the Arts and the Community (RAAC) Mitchell Arts Fund, is halfway through a six- week syllabus that began with camera basics and includes lessons on exposure, composition, portraits, fast action and more. Students have assignments and critique their work each week as part of the classes.
Under the guidance of RCHS art teacher Joy Sours, 10 students – Zack Armor, Dani Boutte, Jake Dooley, Klaire Gubler, Savannah Grammo, Hanna Jenkins, Maddie Kopjanski, Kate Moreno, Paige Paul and Amrit Tamang – are attending the workshops.
Along with the school, RAAC has partnered with Old Rag Photography Gallery seasoned instructors Ray Boc and Joyce Harman to conduct the classes. Both are long- time professional photographers whose work can be seen at the gallery in Sperryville. The Mitchell Arts Fund purchased 10 cameras and a printer to be used in the classes and retained by the schools’ art departments.
Following the high school workshop, a second session is scheduled at the elementary school from April 3 through May 8.
The Claudia Mitchell Arts Fund provides grants and opportunities for emerging artists in Rappahannock and promotes innovation in the arts in all media in the Rappahannock area. Its intent is to not only offer financial awards but to identify the interest and potential of emerging artists and lay the groundwork for more expansive Mitchell Arts Fund projects and partnerships.