Fox Cities News

On an unusually warm day in mid-March, a group of Gibraltar High School students delved into the world of photography at Björklunden, guided by Door County-based artist Suzanne Rose. This experience was part of a day-long retreat where Gibraltar High School students collaborated with local artists at off-campus sites around the county.

Suzanne Rose described the course, named small camera BIG PRINT, as "a micro-immersion into the full circle concepts of fine art photography." The students were actively engaged in self-expression, collaboration, and philanthropic endeavors as they captured images, edited them, participated in group critiques, and printed their work. The serene atmosphere of the Björklunden campus provided an ideal setting for the students to explore their creativity and excel as artists.

During their time at Björklunden, the students used the natural surroundings as their inspiration, capturing photographs and producing prints on site. One notable collaboration led by Suzanne resulted in a framed photo created for a family selected for a new Habitat for Humanity home in Door County.

The annual ETC Workshop, coordinated by Gibraltar School, Friends of Gibraltar, and the Hardy Gallery, aims to provide students with unique opportunities to engage with the arts outside of a traditional classroom setting. The involvement of Björklunden and The Clearing in offering their spaces for this workshop contributes to the enrichment of the students' artistic experiences.

Through this initiative, Gibraltar High School students not only honed their photography skills but also had the chance to give back to the community through their art. The combination of creative expression and philanthropy made this retreat a memorable and rewarding experience for all involved.