14 Shades of Justice

Connecting art and photography as a means of communication and an exchange of ideas is at the core of 14 Shades of Justice, the latest exhibition from Red Hook’s JustArts photography program. JustArts: Photography is an after-school digital photography workshop for teens at the Red Hook Community Justice Center done in partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council.

Participants found the power they have to tell stories, personal or representational, and learned to articulate their thoughts on what social justice photography looks like. This theme was examined during the course of the program, led by a professional teaching artist, through students’ work and ideas, teachings from professional photographers as well as lessons exploring historic photographs and photo essays. Students in this group exhibition participated in the spring 2013 JustArts: Photography program, meeting once a week, for 18 weeks in workshops that provided them with in-depth, hands-on training in shooting, editing, camera use and visual literacy. The students’ knowledge of the professional photography world was expanded through exposure to various artists, gallery visits and artist talks.

Brooklyn Arts Council will exhibit 14 Shades of Justice from June 6 through August 9, 2013, in their gallery space, BAC Gallery,  in DUMBO, featuring the work of 14 students ages 14-18. The BAC Gallery is located at: 55 Washington Street, Suite 218Brooklyn, NY 11201

About JustArts Programming and Positive Youth Justice Initiative

The JustArts: Photography program is part of the Red Hook Community Justice Center's JustArts Programing and Positive Youth Justice Initiative, which reframe the conversation about juvenile delinquency. Instead of pathologizing and criminalizing our teens for adolescent behavior, the Red Hook Community Justice Center works to serve all young people within a positive development framework, drawing on their strengths and contributions to their communities.  Proceeding from a strengths-based approach, the Positive Youth Justice Initiative provides services in four areas—opportunities, educational advocacy, clinical assessments and referrals, and family engagement—to youth on the entire spectrum of court involvement, from prevention to intervention.  They provide internship and employment opportunities and connect youth with creative outlets through JustArts programs, which include the photography program as well as drawing and mural projects.

The JustArts Digital Photography is a program of the Red Hook Community Justice Center, in partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council, and is supported by the New York State Council of the Arts and the Robin Hood Foundation.

~Jessica
RHCJC