History became more than words for fourth graders at Van Duyn Elementary, shown here depicting Harriet Tubman’s work to free over seventy enslaved Africans before the Civil War.
"History really came alive for these kids. As soon as their learning experience became something different and out-of-the-box, their creativity emerged. It made the lesson fun and meaningful for them."
- Brantley Carroll, Professional Photographer
As an extension of his photography exhibit, The Whipping Post, artist Brantley Carroll partnered with the Community Folk Art Center and Partners for Arts Education to engage city school children in the art of photo narration. He held classes with 40 children at Van Duyn Elementary to teach them how to set up a skilled photograph using professional lighting and camera equipment. The children researched moments in African American history and chose poses that depicted those scenes. The children’s ideas brought to life stories that once lay flat in their history books. The collection of over 30 photos, titled American Change, was exhibited at the Syracuse Museum of Young Art.
The Community Foundation funds arts projects that promote creative expression. By supporting this exhibition and subsequent outreach, the Community Foundation shows that it is Where the Smart Money Gives Back.