Proposed School & Public Program Workshop

Myra Holt

Proposed School & Public Program Workshop

Cyanotype Impressions of the Waterville Valley area

Ages: 8th grade to adult

To follow the mission set forth by the Reys, I would like both my School and Public Program to incorporate the arts, sciences and nature through my love of photography and the exploration of the Waterville Valley area. I would like to do this through a workshop that focuses on the history and making of the cyanotype. The cyanotype is a photographic process that was discovered in the 1840s and initially made popular by Anna Atkins, an English botantist and photographer. She used the cyanotype process in her book, Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions. Through the workshop I would like to talk about the history of the cyanotype and allow the members who attend the opportunity to work with the process, creating their own cyanotype impressions of the nature they find in Waterville Valley. The workshop would be a combination of lecture, hands-on activity and a short walk/hike around the area to collect items from nature to be used with the cyanotype. If need be, supplies could already be gathered and on hand to help with the timing of the workshop.

Through the years I have gained a variety of experience speaking and working in front of a group. I currently teach photography and visual arts courses on the college level. Previously I worked as a new hire trainer for a communications company, was a volleyball coach for high school girls, and gave presentations regarding my hike of the Appalachian Trail to professional groups around the state. These different jobs and opportunities have allowed me to feel comfortable in front of groups of all ages, while allowing me the experience of demoing an idea and keeping an eye on everyone to help answer questions and make sure the group is on the same page.