Through the School Window

A community photography project at a Jersey City public school

On September 22, my small photography exhibit opened in the main hallway of a Jersey City public school.

Over the past year, I had the opportunity to photograph more than 80 people who work at the school—teachers, aides, administrators, school doctors and nurses, building and cafeteria staff, security, and crossing guards.

The project was made possible with a lot of help from the school community. Principal Mr. Rivero and his assistant, Mr. Padilla, helped me organize and schedule the portrait sessions. At the beginning of the project, they brought everyone together for a meeting where I could introduce the idea and explain the project.

Mrs. Calcaterra, a teaching aide with a background in fashion, curated the exhibit and organized the wall, installing all the prints on the boards. Mrs. Sexton, the school librarian, helped edit my statement for the exhibit. Mr. Markman, the art teacher, was a continuous source of support and inspiration throughout the project.

The PTA covered the printing of all the photographs, and Mona, the PTA’s VP, even picked them up personally from my favorite photo lab in Chinatown.

I’m very grateful to everyone who took part, welcomed me into their everyday spaces, and helped bring this project from the first photographs to the wall.

The photographs are currently on view in the main hallway by the entrance and will remain there for the next several months.