Visual Arts Discovery Program Nurtures Creative Vision of Individuals with Down Syndrome
A Different Lens:
Photography student Rebecca Lara found her liberation in the lens of her camera. She shared, "When I'm out there snapping those shots... I feel freakin' free!"
Her work was on display at Ottawa's Art House Cafe in March, as part of the True Colors photography exhibition. Beaming with pride, Rebecca said, "I'm bloody stoked to have my pics all out there! I put damn near everything into reaching this point."
The True Colors project was the brainchild of photographers Kelly McDonald and Emillie Swain, who have been mentoring photography students with Down syndrome for over a decade. They run weekly classes at Ottawa's School of Photographic Arts (SPAO) and at McDonald's smaller personal studio for individual sessions.
These sessions offer a secure space for the students to explore their artistic side. The current lineup of four students includes Rebecca, Saskia, James, and Geneviève, ranging from high schoolers to grown adults. Some students may be non-verbal, while others are chatty, but all share a fervor for the craft.
"These chaps are dead serious about photography," said McDonald.
The group typically does something special each year, like selling a photobook, with profits split equally among the students. In March 2025, they hosted an exhibition at the Art House Cafe, which attracted visitors from across the capital.
The class adopts a relaxed, unhurried, and easy-going approach to photography. McDonald explained, "[The students] drop by, we catch up on our week, and if it's nice out, we head outside for a stroll."
McDonald would often give a brief lesson on the technical aspects of photography, before delving right into shooting. One week, the students bring their personal items to shoot in the studio. Geneviève came armed with a box full of pink fabric and sparkly unicorns, while Saskia brought her boxing shoes and a carved wooden figure. The students took turns capturing photos from various angles and arranging the objects as they liked.
The individualized approach reveals itself in the students' work. Walking through the March exhibition, you could easily identify each student's unique style. Rebecca often focuses on botanicals, while James loves taking shots of trees.
"Photography is another window into their world... their interests, and to truly see what they love," said McDonald.
Over the years, McDonald has witnessed the students evolve. She observed, "Their work is really evolved... they invest time and thought into each shot."
Teaching these students has also left a lasting impression on McDonald. She admitted, "It's taught me to stay in the moment, to stop worrying too much about my work."
Additional Insights
The "True Colors" photography project is a pioneering endeavor that enables students with Down syndrome to hone their photography skills under the guidance of instructors Kelly McDonald and Emillie Swain. The initiative has been in operation for over a decade, offering weekly classes at SPAO and individual sessions at McDonald's studio[1].
The student roster comprises a mix of high schoolers to adults, each exhibiting varying degrees of verbal communication but sharing a common passion for the craft[1].
The project emphasizes encouraging creativity and providing a means for self-expression. Exhibitions, like the one at Art House Cafe, celebrate student achievements and integrate them into the broader art community[2][4].
This project transcends traditional teaching methods, empowering students with Down syndrome to communicate their vision and talents through photography.
- Saskia, one of the students in the True Colors project, brought her boxing shoes and a carved wooden figure to a photography session.
- Ai (artificial intelligence) can be used to analyze and appreciate the unique styles evident in the work of the True Colors photography students.
- The students in the True Colors project found happiness and a sense of home in the freedom and self-expression allowed through photography.
- In her home-and-garden magazine, lifestyle blog, or even a personal AI assistant, one might find recommendations on utilizing photography to capture the true colors and individuality of various subjects, inspired by the True Colors photography project.
