Student Photography Exhibit to Open at Monadnock Center for History and Culture

Crotched Mountain School student photography will be featured in an exhibit at the Monadnock Center for History and Culture, from Oct. 28 to Nov. 18, 2015, according to a press release.

Titled, New Views from the Mountain, the exhibit is a result of the students’ work with recent artist-in-residence, Courtney Bent. Bent is an award-winning photographer based in Durham. The public is invited to attend a free opening reception, Thursday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m.

Crotched Mountain students worked with Bent over a three-week period to capture their experiences of the world around them through photography. Students participated in a variety of activities and assignments including exploring what they consider beautiful or interesting, capturing images from unique angles, and studying interesting ways light falls on objects.

“Providing the students at Crotched Mountain with cameras gave them a chance to explore a new way of communicating and sharing their perspective with those around them,” said Bent. “It was exciting to see the photographers’ unique visions and voices emerge in their images.”

Bent specializes in documentary and portrait photography with a passion for photographing behind-the-scenes. She is also the founder and director of “Picture This,” an award winning photography workshop for individuals with Cerebral Palsy and other physical disabilities.

“Photography is unique among the arts in that it is completely accessible to people with motor, cognitive and sensory challenges,” said David Kontak, assistive technology director at Crotched Mountain School. “It provides an opportunity to look at the world in fresh new ways, and can be a lifelong pursuit that may improve morale and self-esteem. It also encourages people to use communication technologies such as phones and computers, which can help meaningfully integrate people into their communities.”

“Crotched Mountain art teacher Eric Peterson incorporated Courtney’s residency into his curriculum, both in the classroom and outdoors, and worked closely with David Kontak who provided cameras and adaptations to make the cameras accessible to the students,” said Deb DeCicco, healing arts program coordinator, Crotched Mountain School. “All of us are excited to see how the photographs show students’ individual expression through their choices in subject matter, angle, lighting and other aspects of photography.”

“We are thrilled to host the New Views from the Mountain exhibit in Bass Hall,” said Michelle Stahl, executive director, Monadnock Center for History and Culture. “Our mission is to connect people with the history and culture of our region, and Crotched Mountain is integral to both. This exhibit shows our region through the lenses of Crotched Mountain students, and I believe the public will be fascinated by their photographs.”

New Views from the Mountain opens at the Monadnock Center for History and Culture on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, with a special opening reception on Thursday, October 29, at 1:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on view Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November 18. Admission to the exhibit is free and the gallery is fully accessible.

The Courtney Bent Artist-in-Residency program and related events were made possible by the generosity of the Putnam Foundation and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

PHOTOS: Both photos were taken by Crotched Mountain School students and will be included in the exhibit New Views from the Mountain, which opens Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Monadnock Center for History and Culture in Peterborough. Students worked with award-winning NH-based photographer, Courtney Bent, to explore the world around them through photography.