Photography exhibit showcases at-risk youth

OCEANSIDE — Interfaith Community Services’ Transitional Youth Academy is preparing for its second photography exhibit, titled “Inside Out,” featuring the photographic perspective of 22 at-risk youth ages 14 to 17 years old.
The exhibit will be showcased Nov. 7 at the OPT Underground Gallery, at 918 Mission Ave., and is a collection of photographs taken by the youth with images captured from both inside and outside of their communities. The one-night event features an evening of inspiring photography, a meet-and-greet with the youth artists, live entertainment, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Guests have the opportunity to bid on any photograph in the silent auction, or purchase an unframed print. All proceeds benefit Interfaith’s Transitional Youth Academy. To RSVP, call Jeannine Guarino at (760) 721-2117, ext. 209.
Interfaith’s Transitional Youth Academy helps high-risk youth prepare for a successful future by providing behavioral health counseling, crisis intervention, gang prevention, academic tutoring, vocational assessments, career exploration, financial literacy, educational development, life skills workshops, and participation in activities that build self-esteem, like the youth photography exhibit.
“By introducing youth to communities ‘outside’ of their own, they come to respect diversity, understand culture, and develop a greater sense of who they are and who they can become,” said Jeannine Guarino, Program Manager of Interfaith’s Transitional Youth Academy.
Photography excursions throughout San Diego have exposed the youth to new areas, including one excursion hosted by Oceanside City Council Member Rocky Chavez, who took the youth on top of the highest building in Oceanside.
“These young photographers had a different perspective on Oceanside this day looking from the sky downwards,” Chavez said. “It was intriguing to observe their concentration and focus on their subject. We’re looking forward to the Youth Photography Exhibit and applaud Interfaith for this unique program as it encourages youth to take a fresh look at their world.”