(May 17, 2024) Students from the District’s Virtual Academy of Rochester (VAR) had the opportunity to showcase their talents at an art exhibit in downtown Rochester, in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology. VAR students are enrolled in a dual-credit digital photography class at RIT, where they receive college credit and exposure to a college-level class, aiming to make higher education more accessible.
On Thursday, May 16, at RIT’s City Art Space, students celebrated the work they had created throughout the dual-credit course this year. They explored various genres of photography, including portraits, landscapes, and architecture.
“I’m really glad I took this class because I learned a lot about photography, how to take pictures, change the backgrounds, and make everything to my liking,” said Jaslene Otero, a student at World of Inquiry School No. 58 who is enrolled in VAR.
“I am so excited for them,” said Susan Rudy, an art teacher at School of the Arts who has overseen students in this photography course. “They have worked so hard all year long, and we are here to celebrate what they have accomplished - their hard work, creativity, and how they view the world through their camera lens.”
During a tour of the RIT campus in February, students explored the college’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences. They engaged in classroom activities, witnessed critiques by RIT students, and experienced a tintype demonstration. Tintype photography is a historical photographic process popular in the mid-to-late 19th century. Additionally, students participated in a fashion photo shoot, capturing moments through their lenses. In another visit to RIT in April, students collaborated on light painting, high-speed photography, and advertising shoots, creating exciting images.
