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Artistic photography: SSS students raise cash for library

Photography students at Smithers secondary held a silent auction of their artistic photography to raise funds for the public library.
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Justice Cumiskey poses with the piece of photographic art he created that earned the top bid of $105.

Justice Cumiskey, a Grade 11 student at Smithers secondary school, hoped someone would bid on his print, but admitted he had no idea someone would bid $105 for the piece of photographic art he created.

Cumiskey and about a dozen other students from SSS had their photographic art up for auction at the Smithers public library last week.

The prints were on display at various businesses throughout Smithers, and last Thursday’s auction was the culmination of the exhibition.

The idea for the exhibition came from Vicki Alton, librarian at SSS and a member of Friends of the Library.

“I was seeing artwork that was amazing and thought it needs to get out into the community,” she said.

Alton said the public library is always looking for partnerships as is the school and thought the exhibition would be a win-win.

“I had no idea how it was going to turn out,” Alton said of her original thoughts about the success of the venture.

“But the kids are excited about having their work out there and having people look at their art,” Alton said as her hand waved towards the various prints around the library.

Proceeds from the evening are divided between the library, receiving 50 per cent, while SSS receives 25 per cent and the students received 25 per cent of the top bid their work received.

In addition to securing the highest bid, Cumiskey admitted the process did kindle the idea of a potential career choice.

“I would love to pursue a career as a photographer, or any of the arts, it would make it so much better ” Cumiskey said.

Chris Duncan, photography teacher at SSS.

“I was thrilled, I had been looking for a way to get the student art into the public, Duncan said.

“I thought it was a great exposure for the students.

Although the prints were based on photographs taken by the students, several of the students then manipulated the photographs digitally, in some cases to produce intricate art designs.