Focus on Nature is hosting a fundraiser launch party on May 31 from 8 to 11pm at the ebar here in support of its educational programming.
Included in the festivities are a musical slide show of student images, a silent auction, appetizers, and live music from BoomEcho.
Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Arts Council, in collaboration with the Guelph Arts Council, Focus on Nature uses photography as a tool to inspire young people to explore and connect with nature.
Students learn creative and technical skills in photography, participate in nature awareness activities, and explore and interpret local natural areas through photography. Throughout the one and two-day workshops they are encouraged to observe the world around them, appreciate its complexity and natural beauty.
“Focus on Nature works on many levels – enhancing the well-being of its participants by giving them positive nature experiences, motivating them to spend more time outside as they develop their interest in photography, and nurturing their creativity and self esteem by giving them opportunities for hands-on photography instruction and for sharing their work with others,” according to program director Shirley Hunt.
Volunteers with a passion for photography and the outdoors, trained by director of photography Trina Koster, deliver the program.
The program was born out of concerns about a growing disconnection between youth and the natural world, and research showing nature experiences are critical to their physical and mental health, their capacity to focus and learn, and their love and respect for the environment.
Photography has long been regarded as a tool for engaging young people in learning.
