My View Point Gallery

Emily Schiffer, a professional photographer from New York, volunteered her time and talent to teach thirty-two youth, ages six to sixteen, photography as a tool for self exploration and to support pride in culture and community. This project was supported by a grant from the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, CT.  To further support the project, Emily registered the Sioux YMCA on the B & H Photo.com web registry and obtained cameras, darkroom equipment and supplies. She also contacted numerous generous friends. The YMCA received enough donations to setup a darkroom, provide cameras, film and most importantly, make this an on-going project with future volunteers from New York and, with additional funding, a local instructor.

Emily held a "gallery" opening in Harry's Hall to showcase her student's work to friends and family. She plans to hold another exhibit in New York City to possibly help fund the project. We'll digitalize the images and create packages containing six to eight postcards to sell to promote and support the continuation of the MVP project. Below are some of the youth's photos. These images are photographs of the photographs so the quality isn't the best. Return to Programs.

"Smilie" by Rameil Romero

"Reba" by Mikala Chase

"Gazing" by Kori Dupris

"Sky Walker" by Karen Veit

Emily in darkroom with student