Student photography exhibit on display at PT Library

For two weeks each February, the lobby of the Peters Township Library is transformed into a photo gallery. The Gallery, as it is simply called, is a collection of photos from the more than 100 students who are enrolled in a photography class at Peters Township High School. The event is a collaborative effort between the library and the high school.
The Gallery opened Feb. 13 with a reception in which people attending were greeted by the photography club’s board members and the club’s sponsor, Erin Boni, who teaches photography at Peters Township High School. Teachers Nicole Sitler and Robin Hodgin-Frick also work with the club.
Boni said that before The Gallery started in 2006, “There wasn’t really a venue for photography.” She said the students in broadcasting classes had the school’s TV station and the yearbook club had the yearbook, but there wasn’t a specific place for the photography students to showcase their work.
The Gallery originated as a simple display the photography club made in 2006 as part of a World Affairs Council program at the library and it took off from there.
“It’s really been blossoming,” Boni said. “I think this is the right venue.”
Patrons to the library can quietly browse the students’ portfolios, canvas photographs and matted photos. In total, more than 300 photos are on display. A small biography and photo of the student is next to each picture.
“It’s a well-oiled machine at this point,” laughed Boni. She added that photography students received credit for coming to the event.
“They deserve to share it with more of an audience,” said library director Pier Lee. “Every organization deserves a place to share (their work) with other people.”
Peters Township High School junior Kayla Damazo wants to pursue a photography career. “I love taking pictures of my siblings,” said the oldest of five. She also enjoys taking nature photographs, such as pictures of trees.
“I just fell in love with it,” said Katie Stiegel of photography. The high school senior added she likes photographing things in nature the best.
Senior Clay McCloskey said he likes to take photos of “anything that captures my eye.” His portfolio is based off his life with photos of his parents, friends, girlfriend and pets.
“It’s just a hobby, but I really do enjoy it,” he said.
The Gallery at Peters Township Library will be up through Feb. 26 during library hours.