LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Fragments of stories as seen by the territory's youth adorn the walls of the OSC Gallery.
Pictured is one of four photographs by Alinda Edda of Fort Liard that are part of the Youth Take Charge exhibition by the Frozen Eyes Photographic Society, which is on display at the OSC Gallery in Fort Simpson. - Alinda Edda/Frozen Eyes Photographic Society
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On April 16, the gallery in Fort Simpson held an opening for its newest exhibition, titled Youth Take Charge. This is the first time the collection of 20 photographs, organized by the Frozen Eyes Photographic Society, has been shown.
The photographs were taken by youths from communities across the territory including Fort Liard, Yellowknife, Fort McPherson, Gameti, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok during digital photography workshops held by the society.
The Frozen Eyes Photographic Society, based in Yellowknife, was formed in 2007 by photographers with the goal of mentoring youth photographers in the territory, said Courtney Holmes, the society's executive director.
The photographs that are part of the exhibition were taken during workshops that were held in 2012 and early 2013. To begin in March 2012, the society held a workshop in Yellowknife for youth from across the territory who had an interest in photography and had applied for the opportunity. Those 12 participants became the youth mentors for the following workshops, said Holmes.
In select communities the society held week-long technical digital photography workshops led by two professional photographers, a lead mentor and an assistant mentor, along with a youth mentor, she said.
"The participants really are receiving professional instruction," said Holmes. "The kids are talented and seem to really enjoy it."
Some of the results are seen in the exhibition. It was difficult for the board to choose the photos that would be displayed, she said.
"We could have easily done a 40-photo exhibit."
The photographs in the exhibit explore what the NWT looks like through a youth filter, said Holmes.
"This is visual storytelling through the eyes of youth of the community," she said. "They are enthusiastic and have excellent eyes and are able to capture some unique stories that are happening in the North."
Alinda Edda of Fort Liard is one of the young photographers highlighted in the show. Edda attended the Yellowknife workshop and acted as a youth mentor for workshops in her home community, as well as Fort McPherson. Four of her photographs are part of the exhibition.
"She's a very talented photographer and great all-round artist," Holmes said.
In addition to resulting in some stunning art, the workshops have a practical component, Holmes said. The workshops give youth interested in a career in the visual arts or professional photography a basic understanding of photography.
From the mentors, the youth learn about shutter speed and aperture. They experimented with lights and explored themes such as texture, portraits and landscapes. The workshops are also empowering, because they help youth to see the beauty in their community and surroundings, Holmes said.
Youth Take Charge will be on display at the OSC Gallery until May 14.
