Samo artists empowered by entrepreneurship

Mason Lopata / Contributor

Advanced photo student Brooklyn Duncans (’24) photographed by Mason Lopata (’24) for a portraiture assignment on a professional stage.

The curriculum for Samo’s photography classes has seen drastic changes this year, as what was previously Photo 2 and 3 has been combined into one class: Advanced Photography.  Besides the merging of the classes, the curriculum for Advanced Photography also changed.

In previous years, photography students had the freedom to explore and create the photos they desired. The class typically culminates in an exhibit at Roberts Art Gallery near the end of the school year. However, this year, students were prompted to create their own photography businesses in small groups. By taking headshots and portraits of clients, the turned profit will entirely go towards funding for the photography program.

Taylor Witt / The Samohi

Advanced ceramics student Maxine Rogers (‘25) presents her nature-inspired piece,  made in early 2023 during a coil-building unit.

Instagram accounts, websites, zines and portfolios were created to market businesses to the public and attract customers. Students had full freedom to decide everything, from how they want to photograph their subjects to the pricing per hour of bookings.

In another effort to fund the arts program, on Dec. 7, the Roberts Art Gallery held a voluntary art exhibition for students to display and sell their work. The gallery was managed and run by student Flynn Latta (’24) with help from art teacher, Amy Bouse. The showcase served as an opportunity for advanced art students to display their work while also profiting from selling their work. Students received 90 percent of the earnings while the other 10 went to funding for the art department. Applications for the exhibit were open to students not only in AP Art but all entry level and advanced visual arts classes. Latta explains what inspired him to organize the event.

“We were setting up for the Day of the Dead show like two months ago and we were like wow this gallery space is pretty good, we want to use it for something more than it’s used for because in previous years there’s only been like two or three shows a year.” Latta said.

For those with a passion for creativity or those just trying to make a profit, getting exposure is a very important factor to being successful in selling art. The exhibit served as a mock introduction to the art world, as putting yourself out there is the first and hardest step.

Historically, art departments lack the funds to provide much of the necessary equipment for students to use at their disposal. Thanks to faculty and students, the money needed for materials and resources in visual arts classes is being met through new and creative fundraising strategies.