A bit of nature can be found in a new photo gallery in Downtown Guelph.
Called Fresh Perspectives, the gallery highlights the beauty of nature through different camera angles and techniques. The gallery can be found at at 10C Shared Space on 42 Carden St.
Focus On Nature, a local non-profit organization, is behind the exhibit. The prints come from youth who have participated in Focus On Nature classes and day camps between 2021 and 2022. Thirty artists will be featured in the exhibit, which runs Sept. 1 to Sept. 15, and then again on Oct. 17 to Oct. 31.
Maya Ewert, the operations manager of Focus On Nature, said they try to give as many youth as possible the chance to be celebrated for their art. During the summer camps this year, she said many youth were excited and proud of the work they had created.
“It's a child's perspective on nature. Most of the photographers are between eight and 11, there are some that are a bit younger and some are a bit older, but seeing nature through their eyes, and seeing what they find interesting and what they connect with, is really kind of the spirit of what we're going for,” said Ewert, noting all artists featured will go home with a professional printed copy of their work.
“Having this exhibit and showing off these new perspectives of nature, it kind of reminds me of, at least my childhood, and connecting with nature, and it brings back all these memories of exploring my environment, and I think that’s what will shine through.”
Ewert said children who attend the camps are immersed in nature, getting opportunities to participate in activities and learn about different animals. She said programs like Focus On Nature help youth to become more familiar with the environment and understand its importance amidst growing concerns about climate change.
“I think it’s also really important for their mental health and well-being," Ewert continues. "I’ve been with kids in camp and in workshops that are unhappy, they have a lot of stress and anxiety, and once you get them outside and exploring nature, that kind of just releases.”
For more information at Focus On Nature, go to focusonnature.ca.
