Captivating photography exhibition debuts at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is bringing Kids in Focus: A New Lens on Life, which is an exhibition by local youth.
Through the art of photography, children create connections with trusted mentors and reframe the way they see their world — building confidence, resilience and hope. Kids in Focus: A New Lens on Life will run through Dec. 30, according to a press release.
Western Spirit celebrates the importance of art and storytelling in the American West by educating, inspiring and engaging museum guests through national and local exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach, the release states.
Kids in Focus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on supporting at-risk youth and providing a chance to see themselves and the world in a new light, equipping them with essential life skills to make the shift from surviving to thriving.
During the nine-week afterschool program, local photographers become mentors to the kids, building trusting relationships, representatives of Western Spirit say.
Upon completing this initial program, the kids keep their cameras and become members of the “Grads in Focus” and “Junior Mentor” programs, which keeps kids actively engaged for several years, through high school and beyond.
“When kids experience trauma, they disconnect from the world and themselves. A camera in these kids’ hands, with the right guidance and encouragement, ignites imagination and can switch the light in their eyes back on, giving them confidence and the resilience they need to overcome the challenges they face,” said Karen Shell, founder and executive director, Kids in Focus.
“We are so happy to partner with Western Spirit on this exhibition.”
