TEACHING ARTIST SESSION

VA – 079 Darkroom Safety, in Detail: Loading Cans and How to Photograph (5-8)

Elementary School, Lafayette Parish, Mary Jo Allen, Math, Middle School, Science, Social Emotional Learning, St. Martin Parish, Visual Art

In a darkroom with red photographic lights, students will learn the proper procedures to load paper negatives. All directives will be addressed in this session, as well as a constant reminder of darkroom safety. If time allows, students can unload cans and reload for another outdoor “shoot”. I will put student names on paper negatives and keep them in a light safe box for development in the 3rd session.

Short-term residency includes 078, 079, 080 – shorter version available in a single session

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Mary Jo Allen

My enthusiasm for the alchemy of photography began at age 12 when my older brother entrusted a Kodak Brownie to me. In 1983, I moved to a suburb of Cleveland, OH and began a formal study of the fine art and history of photography. I purchased darkroom equipment and established a home-based photo lab. The impetus and fascination commenced through experimenting and developing new techniques, freelance work and commissions, gallery exhibits, and teaching young people the craft of pinhole photography through various workshops.

Darkroom work and my love of the environment led me further into the sciences. Upon moving to Arizona, I completed a BA in K-8 education and became a middle school science teacher. My darkroom equipment has always traveled with me.