Photo by Jessica Klein

"The chance to learn and become skilled at a form of self-expression such as photography, under the guidance of caring and sensitive adults, offers children a very significant healing experience, increasing their self-awareness, their ability to vent their feelings in positive and constructive ways, and their sense of their own potential and worth."

Michelle Rubino, Children's Advocate Women's Crisis Center

The In-Sight Photography Project was conceived by Bill Ledger and John Willis when they were distracted by a large number of teenagers hanging around aimlessly in downtown Brattleboro and by the police who were moving them along for loitering. This scene was so distressing that they decided to teach a free course for these youths. The plan was to offer a one-time, one-month class during the summer break for area youth. Encouraged by an outpouring of community support, John and Bill built a gang darkroom and teaching facility at the Brattleboro Teen Center (now known as the Boys and Girls Club) and the one-month course quickly blossomed into a year-round program.

As photographers committed to their medium, the volunteer staff at In-Sight knows the value of the photographic image and its use of visual language to help individuals discover themselves. This process of seeing and discovering helps teach individuals about themselves through a visual language that can then be used to communicate with others. The result is teens who have greater self-esteem and who are more willing to develop a viewpoint and present it to others. The medium of photography thus becomes a tool for building both self-esteem and communication skills.

In-Sight now offers photography courses at the introductory, intermediate and advanced levels for students ages 11 to 18, and has had over 900 participants. Additionally, the IRS recognizes the project as a not-for-profit corporation, and public awareness of the benefits the organization provides to area youth is growing at an ever-increasing rate.

Local interest had surpassed what the original facility could offer and that In-Sight has now moved to a new facility.

Photo by Erin Barnard

The incentive classes have proven to be one of our most unique and successful projects. These classes allow any motivated teen to earn their own camera upon fulfillment of a two-part commitment: first, the students agree to participate in every class and do every assignment; and second, they agree to serve as mentors to new students in the next round of courses. In-Sight is considering expanding the mentoring program to have students work with professional photographers and to receive academic credit for work accomplished.

The addition of new courses allows us to serve a wider portion of the community. Recent additions to our program have included a class in public art and we have reinstated the class for those living in the Brattleboro Retreat's in-house substance abuse program, as well as a project with the Westgate Housing Community. In-Sight has also supported a class for women offered in conjunction with the program "Making the Most of I."

While no interested youth between the ages of 11 and 18 has been turned away, we have continued to offer a diverse range of classes for general youth. In-Sight is currently in the process of building ties to Brattleboro organizations to develop community service learning as a way to attract a larger portion of the community and inspire people of all ages to work together.

Photo by Lyle Tibbits From the SuAnne Big Crow Boy's and Girl's Club in Pine Ridge South Dakota.

Our success and recognition at In-Sight continues to grow in local, national, and international ways. We have and continue to collaborate with Hall Farm and the Point, especially through the Exposures Program. The goal is to combine projects in Vermont and New York for participants of both programs. Also, a program started with In-Sight support a few years ago in Bucharest, Romania by Ariane Burke, In-Sight's former director, continues to help youth there learn photography and offer opportunities for image exchanges between teens in both countries. The photographs from Romania were a major attraction at our annual exhibit at the Hooker Dunham Theater and Gallery. Other former teachers of In-Sight have also gone on to carry our mission to participants in other places, and examples are featured inside.

Please help the In-Sight program continue to grow by spreading the word, donating time, materials, or financial support. Thank you all for your previous and future support.

2008 Tax Return

The In-Sight Photography Project
45 Flat Street, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
(802) 251-9960 | info@insight-photography.org