RIT Alumnae To Teach Photography to Children Affected by Hurricane Katrina

Six months after Hurricane Katrina, the future is still uncertain for the families of New Orleans. Schools remain closed and homes are uninhabitable. Two Rochester Institute of Technology graduates, who volunteered with relief efforts last November, will return to New Orleans next month to mentor the youngest of the hurricane victims.

Ariya Martin and Tara Malik, alumnae of RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences, will teach photography, writing and computer skills to children in collaboration with the grassroots organization, The New Orleans Camera Project. The organization needs monetary donations and cameras (both film and digital). Martin and Malik will host a local fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at the Genesee Center for the Arts and Education at 713 Monroe Avenue. Admission is $15.

Both women have taught photography to youth and adults at the center’s Community Darkroom. “We’ve seen how photography can be an important outlet,” says Martin. “When we were in New Orleans and found out about The New Orleans Camera Project, we wanted to get involved. Taking photographs will not only give the children something to do, but it’s also a skill they can build upon.”