A Community of Artists in the Digital Media Lab

When Upper School Visual Arts Teacher Tracy Bracken prepared to move her classroom two years ago, she intentionally designed the new and larger space to make it as functional and comfortable as possible for her students.

 

The spacious Digital Media Lab is now home to all of the Upper School photography classes, including AP Photography, Alternative Processes in Photography, Concepts and Creativity in Photography, Advanced Photography and Personal Directions in Photography. The classroom is well organized with storage drawers and files for all students to use and open shelving for books, binders and student work. There is an Apple TV which connects to a large display that can be used for presentations and instructions, and a backdrop and studio light for shoots. There is also a big community table for students to gather together and share their work and a long row of Apple iMac computers where the Upper Schoolers practice their basic editing, digital imaging and advancement techniques in Adobe Photoshop.

 

“The best thing about this space is that it has fostered a nice community of photographers and artists,” said Tracy. “It’s a safe place where girls feel comfortable to give each other constructive feedback and talk about art.”

Tracy’s dedication to helping her students pursue their creative passions was recognized earlier this year when through a student nomination, she earned the 2019 Inspirational Educator Award from the Rochester Institute of Technology College of Art and Design.

Upper School photography and other artwork is on display in the hallway outside of the Digital Media Lab and in the Knott Lobby throughout the year.