Youth Gallery Essay by Jane Hoofard

TEACHER MEMOIR:
PHOTOGRAPHY BASED WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS, 1995 and 1996

Diana Schoenfeld visited Mineral, California, population 90, near Lassen Volcanic National Park, in the spring of 1995 and contacted Mineral School teacher, Jane Hoofard. The K-8 school enrollment was 24. This was the start of what was to become her Schoolhouse Odyssey photographic project.

Diana had given herself an assignment to explore and photograph teachers and students in small, remote, rural schools in far northern California. She offered to present a “hands on” Visual Literacy Workshop to the students.     

Her instruction with Mineral students included two days of historical enrichment and photography. She shared a collection of daguerreotypes, tintypes, glass plates negatives, and more. The students were fascinated by her enthusiasm and instruction. The lessons included 19th century folk portraiture for students, each of whom was prepared to pose as subject in an individual portrait with a favorite item or an “attribute” of their current or future interests.

The following spring, May 6th through May 10th, a three day, 3rd through 8th grade Ocean Seminar II was carefully planned and scheduled by the Mineral School Staff and parents. The Ocean Seminar II students and staff stayed at the Trinidad Inn in Trinidad, California. Diana presented an evening Workshop at the Trinidad Inn, where students viewed a slide show exploring the subject of seeing and using light and shadow in photography and in drawing.

Part of the study trip included an invitation from Diana to the College of the Redwoods.  She showed students how to make photograms (the earliest type of cameraless photographs) in the darkroom. Each student then created their own photogram made with local natural items (feathers, shells, ferns, etc.) in a thematic arrangement. Students were delighted with their creations suitable for framing.

In reflection students all were asked to write a personal “Philosophical Statement,” explaining why art is important to them. These statements are displayed on the exhibition pedestals for viewers to read.

Diana is a kind and generous teacher. Her unique “interdisciplinary pedagogy” revolving around photography was an inspiration to the students, parents and staff of Mineral School.

Jane Hoofard, Multi-age/Multi-grade Educator and Consultant
Red Bluff, California, 2011