traditional photography curriculum.
They were proficient in using a flatbed scanner, photo-editing software,
and printers. For this assignment,
students were using flatbed scanners
as cameras. They composed their
objects directly on the scanner. They
were required to consider composition and needed to
have a foreground,
middle ground, and
background. Once
they were satisfied
with their compositions they made a
high-resolution scan of their arrangements. The images were perfected
using photo-editing software and
printed using a high-quality ink jet
printer on 16 x 20" ( 41 x 51 cm) paper.
The objects became larger than life
and showed details that would have
otherwise been overlooked.
Giving Back to the Community
The works were matted, framed, and
exhibited in the school and in the
community library. Students donated
their images to be
auctioned off at a
fundraiser for a local
environmental orga-
nization. The money
went to Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington, an organization
dedicated to protecting the environment, enhancing quality of life, and
increasing environmental awareness.
The students were
using flatbed scanners
as cameras.
Effect on Students
The valuable lesson for students was
realizing that artists have voices
through their art, and that creating art can make a statement heard
by others. Whatever their cause is,
they can make a difference through
art. The statement can be personal
or community driven. Students felt
validated when their images were
purchased at the fundraiser. Through
this project, students created art from
the environment and for the environment.
Joy Jaworski and Kris Murphy are art
teachers at Paul D. Schreiber High School
in Port Washington, New York. jrjawor-
ski@yahoo.com
