SubscribeTeaching Through Photography
Ty Fischer, photographer and founder of Eyes Wide Open Worldwide, has developed a passion for engaging children with photography. Eyes Wide Open Worldwide (EWOW) was created in 2005 to
counter the loss of ongoing arts education in public schools. Through educational workshops, EWOW engages kids in photography experiences and connects them to an artist who both instructs and mentors. Workshops go beyond teaching the basics of photography and facilitate discussions about self confidence and pursuing dreams. The free program is followed by a fund raiser which includes a gallery exhibit and silent auction of the children’s artwork. Proceeds are donated back to the children in the form of a professional portfolio of their top 20 pieces that will assist them in furthering their arts education.
photo by Soung, 11 yrs.oldThe idea for the organization came after Fischer heard about a community project that gave students the opportunity to photograph architecture and community life. Following this project, during a discussion with a friend, Fischer expressed frustration with the project’s limitations. While the children’s photos did hang in the downtown community center for people to see, the actual benefit of the program was unclear. He wanted the students to see a long term benefit to pursuing their artistic passion. Fischer feels that in today’s schools, many children have little chance to learn about the arts, and societal pressures often direct students toward more traditional and secure careers. Eyes Wide Open Worldwide has created a model that allows children to see the long term benefit of pursuing photography. Through this model the organization hopes to educate kids on both the artistic elements of photography and the business aspects of being a photographer.
Sohkan, Self portraitFischer himself originally gave up his goals as an aspiring artist to pursue a career that offered more security. After leaving art school, he took a job that was unrelated to the arts, but ensured his
financial success and allowed him to follow the “American Dream.” But over time he realized that for him, this lifestyle was not fulfilling. After 14 years of being removed from the arts, he started a small photography and graphic design business. Fischer says he hopes that through EWOW he can keep children from making the same mistakes he did. He believes that giving children confidence in their art and allowing them to benefit directly from the selling of their photos will instill a sense of purpose and an understanding of the financial side of being an artist.
The benefits of EWOW are already apparent. For Sammy, an eighth grader who participated in an EWOW workshop at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, the experience was invaluable. Along with six other students, she received instruction and guidance from Fischer. In Fischer’s words, “over the course of the four days of working in the Eyes Wide Open program, Sammy grew confident about her photography, which then instilled confidence in herself.” Two photos from each of the students were displayed in a show at Unity Temple in Chicago. When Fischer met up with Sammy in Chicago, he said “it was a completely different individual. Sammy has made five of the best friends she has ever had from the group. She is a beaming ray of joy as shown by her infectious smile and is confident in her art and excited about pursuing her dreams.”
EWOW has completed projects in three U.S. States, and is working on their second Cambodian project. In the next few years they hope to expand their projects to Lesotho, Africa, The Azores Islands, Bogota, Columbia and Kumpala, Uganda. To date they have had four exhibits and have received donations of over $11,000 with proceeds going to the children to further their arts education. In the future they hope to bring children from past projects back to serve as mentors to future students.
Eyes Wide Open Worldwide is always looking for volunteers and sponsors to help with projects. If you want to get involved with Eyes Wide Open Worldwide, click here for more information.
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