Elementary Students Photograph Lives For Art Project To Be Featured In Paseo District

Jacqueline Sit, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Art classes are limited in Oklahoma City schools but a grant gave a group of kids the opportunity to go behind the lens and showcase their project inside the Paseo Arts District.

For two months, dozens of elementary students, grades third through sixth, photographed their lives. Students captured pictures of the places they consider their sanctuaries with a disposable camera and don't underestimate the artwork of a 10-year-old.

"When you take a picture, you can decorate it however you want there's no right or wrong answers," said student Timmy Thongkham.

Timmy Thongkham and classmate Tabitha Costin snapped shots as part of an eight week art project with Edgemere Elementary School called Sanctuary.

"You take about 27 pictures inside and outside and you can't take them of pets, flowers and people," said student photographer Tabitha Costin. "You can see how you feel and when you look at it, you can feel that feeling like ‘Wow I took that picture.'"

"I hope that they can see that these kids have a tremendous amount of talent," said local artist Romy Owens.

Owens helped the students with the project and some of the best photos will be unveiled to the public in an upcoming Paseo Arts District artwalk on November 5.

"They have very unique perspective of where sanctuary can be found and where they can find places of peace and solace from whether it be food or bedrooms or a kitchen table," said Owens.

Each photo captures a glimpse into each child's life, its hardships and their expressions.

"It's nerve wrecking because I'm scared of what they might say and what they might do...haha," said Thongkham

The fifth grader plans to talk to the principal in hopes of keeping the program going for future students.