Fotokids Exhibit – Photography by At-Risk Children in Guatemala at Bainbridge Arts & Crafts – August 7-August 23

Bainbridge Arts & Crafts is hosting a special exhibit of photos by children from Fotokids, a Guatemala-based nonprofit that serves at-risk children affected by poverty and violence by giving them a chance to learn photography, graphic design, media technology, and vocational skills. The exhibit opens at the First Friday Arts Walk, August 7, from 6 – 8 p.m. and runs through August 23.

There will be a free informational program on Saturday, August 8, at 11 a.m. with Fotokids Executive Director Evelyn Mansilla, and Communications Director Berlin Jurez, both Fotokids graduates, and Bainbridge Island-based board member Kami Lee.

A free after-hours reception with the Fotokids representatives takes place on Sunday, August 9, at 5 pm. Space is limited; reservations can be made by calling Bainbridge Arts & Crafts at 206-842-3132 or on the BAC website: Bainbridge Arts & Crafts

About Fotokids

Fotokids was founded in 1991 by ex-Reuters photojournalist Nancy McGirr, who handed cameras to eight children living with their families, alongside thousands of others, in Guatemala’s City municipal garbage dump and asked them to document their lives.

From its humble beginnings, Fotokids, originally called Out of the Dump, has helped thousands of at-risk children affected by poverty and violence to realize the dream of a better life. Using photography, graphic design, media technology, and vocational training as tools, the children learn self-expression, creativity, leadership, and other skills that improve their chances of obtaining future employment.

Graduates have landed jobs in design agencies, as photojournalists, as TV cameramen and women, in international non-profits, as educators, and in both government agencies and private businesses.

The problems Fotokids addresses: About half of Guatemala’s population is under age 19. An estimated 140,000 young people enter the labor market each year; of that, around 25,000 gain access to formal employment. Forty-six percent of the total population of Guatemala lives in poverty.

Fotokids annually serves an average of 100 -150+ children from impoverished barrios in Guatemala and has founded continuing programs in Honduras, in California’s Central Valley for children of farm workers, and for children living in Florida’s agricultural communities.

More information about Fotokids is at https://fotokidsoriginal.org

This exhibit is funded in part by a grant from the Bainbridge Community Foundation in support of BAC’s educational outreach programs.

Details

Fotokids: Photography by At-Risk Children in Guatemala

Bainbridge Arts & Crafts Exhibit: August 7 – 23

Information Program – Saturday, August 8 ~ 11 a.m.

After Hours Reception – Sunday, August 9 ~ 5 p.m.

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