Local youth find their creative voice

Photovoice participant, Cara Embree poses with her photo which is a statement on the media's suggestion on "going green".

Under the tutelage of local professional photographer Liz Lott 10 local students took part in the City of North Bay’s Parks, Recreation & Leisure Department’s photovoice: spring 2010 program 'Finding Our Own Voice' at the WKP Kennedy art gallery where this year’s theme is media influence.

“It’s most relevant to them,” Program Coordinator, Gabrielle Charlebois said. “They (youth) face the media influence every single day -- whether it’s what to wear, what to listen to or who to hang out with.”

The youths themselves were happy to portray their views of local media.

“There’s so many different ways that the media can reach you, and you’re basically surrounded by it,” said participant Cara Embree.

“So we thought we could get a lot done on that topic.”

Charlebois said she’s glad to take part in a program such as this one because youth self-expression is something that she says seems to be lacking in North Bay.

“This is another way that they can express themselves through the arts,” Charlebois said.

The youth version of PhotoVoice is on display today and tomorrow from 1-9pm.