Camera donations needed to support photographic arts education

Teaching artist and Sussex County native JuneRose “JR” Futcher recently announced a statewide camera donation drive to support arts education and applied photographic arts students. The camera has a unique value in visual arts education and produces an accurate visual study for young artists, Futcher said. 

All types and brands of digital point-and-shoot and single-lens reflex cameras and accessories are needed to provide a diverse photographic lesson for young artists. While digital cameras are being replaced by cellphone cameras, many camera types will be used during the studies. Viewfinder cameras will be useful and important in the complete lesson on observation and capture of photo subjects.

Futcher created her first program in 2018 with Christina Cultural Arts Center, and she aims to continue and expand photographic arts programs as a credentialed teaching artist with the Delaware Institute for Arts in Education. Futcher is a five-time Delaware Division of the Arts individual artist grant recipient, a studied showcase photographer, working artist and arts activist.

The evolution of the photographic arts program has been creative, visionary and inspirational for young artists. Two programs in Kent and New Castle counties motivated many young artists to create original photographs. A third program being planned in 2020 with New Castle County Police Department and a Wilmington charter school was canceled by the global pandemic.

Photographic arts education suffered greatly from catastrophic interruptions and almost permanently derailed Futcher’s mission in arts education. She hopes to revitalize the photographic arts program while expanding programs in collaboration with community law enforcement in public schools and community centers. Studio portraiture will also be added and developed in arts education curriculums.

In 2018, when Futcher collaborated with CCAC and envisioned an original concept of youth and law enforcement in a community environment, law enforcement leaders were supportive and enthusiastic. The initiative to confront youth violence and address at-risk youth brought New Castle County PD leaders on board with the photographic arts concept. A field day held at the Carousel Park Equestrian Center yielded a creative process recorded in a camera frame while nurtured by warmth and friendship between law enforcement and young people. The young artists created their own personal storyboard collage of photographs with their signature as the artist.

In 2019, Futcher collaborated with Campus Community School and art teacher Jen Boland. Incorporating visits with members of the law enforcement community in Kent County, candid and portrait photographs were central to the lesson plan and culminated with an exhibit at the nearby Biggs Museum of American Art and House of Coffi. Boland, who supported the program meeting arts education curriculum with Futcher in her studio classroom, said, “Photography students build their observational skills throughout their development and education. Photographic art not only conveys an experience and feeling, but also is therapeutic and grows confidence.”

With the impacts of the pandemic crisis and complete school closures for more than a year, Futcher made use of her time to achieve credentials and pursue professional development with Delaware Institute for Arts in Education. She is a registered teaching artist specializing in photographic arts, presentation and exhibition. 

Futcher said, “With arts worldwide in complete closure and disruption in the pandemic response, I am eager to produce artist residencies and apply my professional skills and achievements to inspire young artists.” By telling a visual story in one photograph or many, young artists will grow in their observations and personal expressions, she said.

Futcher is asking for community support to help with locating and donating any brand of digital camera. All accessories are encouraged to be included, such as SD cards, USB cables and rechargeable batteries.

Organizers of the drive are also asking for frames in 5-by-7 and 8-by-10-inch sizes or larger, with mattes, glass and accessories. They aim to provide a complete studio experience where the young artists can sign and assemble their favorite photographs.

Donation arrangements may be made by calling 302-645-8829 or emailing jrfdelaware@gmail.com for collection venues. Appointments can be set up for personal delivery in Sussex County and for collection at House of Coffi in Dover.