George Eastman Museum to Showcase Student Photography Exhibit

The George Eastman Museum will present a new exhibition featuring creative works by student artists from the Flower City Arts Center’s Studio 678 Photo Club. The exhibition, opening March 15 in the museum’s community gallery, Gallery Obscura, will be available to the public through May 11, 2025.

The exhibit will display photographs and written works created by 11 students who participated in the fall 2024 session of the Studio 678 Photo Club. Throughout the program, the students were mentored by volunteers and learned how to use professional film cameras and develop film. With these newly acquired skills, the young artists were able to capture images and develop their prints from start to finish. Their work showcases their perspectives on the world around them.

In addition to photography, the students were encouraged to create poems and stories to accompany their images. The photographs, poems, and stories were then framed and prepared for the exhibition by the museum’s team. The students also collaborated to produce a book that brings together their visuals and narratives in a digital format, offering a deeper insight into their artistic journey.

“The goal of the Studio 678 Photo Club is to help students develop not only their artistic skills but also their ability to reflect on their community and express themselves,” said a representative of the Flower City Arts Center. “This program is an opportunity for these young artists to explore their creative voices while gaining a greater understanding of their environment.”

The exhibition is the culmination of a 25-week, after-school program that provides free photography and writing education to students in grades six through eight from the Rochester City School District. The program, which began in 1999, has become a vital community initiative that nurtures students’ creativity and builds their confidence.

A special event, the Studio 678 Poetry Reading and Reception, will be held on March 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum. During this event, the participating students will have the opportunity to read their poems and share their work with the public. ASL interpretation will be provided.

Museum visitors can view the exhibition during regular hours, with tickets available for purchase. Admission is free for museum members, children under 4, SNAP/EBT cardholders, and active-duty military families. The museum also offers discounted entry for seniors, veterans, students, and youth. Information on ticket prices and other details can be found on the George Eastman Museum website.

The exhibition and the programming for Gallery Obscura are made possible by generous funding from ESL, with additional sponsorship from Leading Edge for the Studio 678 Photo Club.

For more information about the George Eastman Museum or the Flower City Arts Center’s Studio 678 Photo Club, visit eastman.org.