Young Audiences New Jersey’s opening of "Myself, My Camera, My World" at The Lawrenceville School draws large turnout.
By: John Dunphy
For some talented young photographers, Sunday afternoon was picture perfect.
Young Audiences New Jersey, with the help of several participants, including The Lawrenceville School and the Lawrenceville Culinary Partnership, opened "Myself, My Camera, My World" on Nov. 5 at the Gruss Center of Visual Arts at The Lawrenceville School.
The exhibition, which will be on display through Dec. 12, features the selected photos taken by participating children in the Ennis Beley Project, a day-camp held in July and August by Young Audiences New Jersey for children referred by HomeFront, a Lawrence-based organization that works with homeless and in-transition families in the area.
For the project, the teens were given 35-mm cameras, film, lessons on developing the film and the opportunity for the public to see their world, through their eyes.
Photos ranged from shots of family members, to shots of the sky, the trees and everything in between. And people lined the gallery halls for photos that lined the gallery walls.
In its eighth year, last weekend’s opening reception was historic for the program, said Coby Green-Rifkin, communications director for Young Audiences New Jersey.
"The turnout for the opening exhibit was record-breaking," she said. "We’ve never had that many people show up."
Much of that turnout could be credited to this year’s collaboration with the newly formed Lawrenceville Culinary Partnership, Mrs. Green-Rifkin said. Comprised of area restaurants and farms, the union provided children with more opportunities to see more of a world that many of them rarely, if ever, get to experience, including farms and the kitchen of area restaurants like Chamber’s Walk Café and Catering, on Main Street. It also provided free breakfasts and lunches to the children from Chamber’s Walk and Village Bakery, on Gordon Avenue.
William Vandever, an instructor of photography at The Lawrenceville School and instructor for the Ennis Beley Project children, said he was pleased with the turnout, saying it was good for the kids who also attended the opening reception.
"They can see their work up on the wall," he said. "People want to talk to them about their work."
Marilyn Grounds, chairwoman of Young Audiences New Jersey, called what the participants learn "a life skill."
"It’s fabulous," she said. "I’ve come to watch them over the years. They’re so proud, they show you their albums (of photos)."
"For me, it’s the process," said Arthur Factor, a member of the Young Audiences board of trustees who attended the opening. "Always look at the end result. Bill Vandever doesn’t allow bad work. He sets a high standard."
As person after person walked through the halls, poring over the nearly five dozen prints up on the walls including 13-year-old Najeeb Church’s "Pretty dress," 12-year-old Angel Rios’ "Butterfly," and 12-year-old Chaz Miller’s "Speckled Reflection," participants like Kenniqua West, 14, developed an overwhelmed glaze in their gaze.
"People are saying, ‘they’re so beautiful,’" she said, smiling. "I had all this attention and I’m like, ‘oh my God.’"
Octavia Hardwick, 16, a project counselor, did not take any photos this year. A participant for several years, however, she could easily see the increase in attendance and the positive energy the opening reception brought to the whole event.
"It’s exciting to know they’re interested," she said. "It makes you want to take more (photos)."
Britany Gordon, 13, said she likes to take background shots; one of her favorite inspirations was the Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton. She also likes to take photos of family members.
"Some of them I don’t get to see a lot," she said, noting she’s had a good time in the camp. "I want to come back next year."
Mr. Vandever said having children who do return is a positive for the program. "They know what they’re doing."
And he knows what he’s doing, too, and continues to enjoy it.
"I wouldn’t have done it for seven years if I didn’t," Mr. Vandever said.
Mrs. Green-Rifkin said this week that five prints have already either been sold or earmarked for purchase. At $150 each, half the proceeds go toward next year’s project; the other half goes directly back to the photographer.
"At least five kids will have a little extra money in their pocket for the holiday season," she said.
Overall, this year’s conclusion to the Ennis Beley Project was an overwhelming success, Mrs. Green-Rifkin said.
"The kids I spoke to were on cloud nine, if not a bit overwhelmed," she said. "It was a very special night for them, and they were obviously proud, beaming, and lingering around their photographs on the gallery walls."
Additional photos are currently on display at Chamber’s Walk Café and Catering, on Main Street. Anyone wishing to buy an unframed print or make contributions to the Ennis Beley Project, or to any of the 18 programs Young Audiences New Jersey organizes, should call (609) 243-9000. For more information about programs offered by Young Audiences New Jersey, visit www.yanj.org.

