Iowa 4-H Camera Corps photo gallery displayed at Fairfield Arts & Convention Center

In the upcoming weeks, the Fairfield Art Association will feature an exhibit of 20 photographs taken by a group of youth from around the state of Iowa.

The Iowa 4-H Camera Corps provides youth the opportunity to sharpen their photography skills by submitting images that relate to the monthly theme. Each image is critiqued, and feedback is provided from professional photographers. The photos also are posted on Facebook where the public can vote on their favorite pictures. The top 10 Juror's Choice and top 10 People's Choice photographs are printed, framed, and shown at statewide gallery exhibitions throughout the year. The 20 awe-inspiring images on display at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center are the top photographs from the theme 'Looking Up.” The public can view this special gallery between Wednesday and Dec. 16.

The youth photographers responsible for this collection of images represent many counties around the state: Jefferson, Washington, Des Moines, Story, Jasper, Crawford, Chickasaw, Carroll, Polk, Decatur, Grundy, Dickinson, Benton, Greene, Tama, and Buena Vista.

'This community is well-known for its support of the arts, so we know this unique gallery will be well-received,” said Rachel Fishel, Jefferson County ISU Extension and Outreach youth coordinator. 'We are very excited to have these photographs displayed where many people will be able to witness firsthand the talented work of our youth. We believe many of our local youth have the potential to be a part of a group such as the Iowa 4-H Camera Corps, and we're hoping this photo gallery will bring more awareness to the endless possibilities for our youth through 4-H.”

This special opportunity allows youth to practice their photography skills, receive public recognition and obtain professional feedback to enhance their skills and improve their work. Any fourth- through 12th-grade youth in every one of the 99 counties in Iowa is welcome to join Iowa 4-H Camera Corps. More information can be found online at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/projects/iowa-4-h-camera-corps.

Anyone interested in the Iowa 4-H Camera Corps program or Jefferson County 4-H, can contact Fishel at rachel4h@iastate.edu or 472-4166.