Creativity and Digital Artistry with Wade Byars

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As a follow up to DATA's visit to The Desert Sun, photographic artist Wade Byars discussed his composite artistry in DATA's digital imaging studio/classroom Fri., Nov. 7, 2008. The presentation focused on his use of image collection, Photoshop technique, and the many ideas behind his surrealist pieces.

In preparation for this event, digital imaging and photography students previewed and discussed the photographer's imagery in an online forum at the Digital Arts Education Ning

and will continue to reference his work in further Web 2, project-based learning assignments.

"DATA truly appreciates the time and energy Mr. Byars has donated to the Academy and sincerely welcomes him as a friend of the program who can clearly demonstrate the connections between what is taught in the classroom and what is practiced in the field"

-Mr. Cauthron, Digital Imaging Instructor, Apple Distinguished Educator

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DATA Students Get the Scoop at The Desert Sun

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Photo by
Cecilia Tellez











"Everybody has a story and I love telling stories," said Desert Sun sports reporter Patti Myers to 14 DATA students who had the opportunity Oct. 23 to tour our local newspaper.
The students, accompanied by DATA Coordinator Matt Hamilton, DATA Counselor Deborah Applebaum, and DATA teacher Matt Cauthron, heard from Sun Executive Editor Rick Green, web editor Nick Bolland, and photojournalist Wade Byars.
Green, who freelanced for his local paper while still in high school, told the students that the newspaper business is rapidly changing with the advent of the Internet. "The days of waiting to get your information when the morning paper hits the porch are over. We're no longer just a newspaper; we're an information company." Green said that reporters now write from the web and update for the newspaper. "It's a lot different than when I started out with a notepad in my pocket," he said. "The digital world has transformed our profession."
Green said the Sun's online newspaper, mydesert.com, gets three million web hits a month, while the paper edition of the Desert Sun has a circulation of between 40,000 and 57,000, depending on what time of year it is.
Sun photojournalist Wade Byars, who became interested in photography while shooting pictures of winos and derelicts near his neighborhood, began working at the Desert Sun in 1992. His passion for photography extends beyond his working hours at the Sun, and he's working on publishing a book of his surrealistic photographs, some of which he shared with the DATA students during their visit.
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Teen Docent Program

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DATA digital imaging students, Leah Oakes and Markie Hackwith, were accepted into the Teen Docent Program at the Palm Springs Arts Museum. Students in this program study art history, practice public speaking, and lead tours for elementary school students. Both students feel that this experience enriches their lives and the lives of those they engage in the arts. Learn more about the Palm Springs Art Museum.


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DATA in 2.0

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This year DATA has launched two new exciting Web 2.0 tools for student collaboration: the DATA Wiki and the Digital Arts Education Ning.

On the DATA Wiki you will find Google Calenders, downloadable documents, Diamond Group information, Mentor information, and links to other DATA websites, as well as a list of classroom information and projects for Digital Imaging, Digital Photography, Media Literacy, and Contemporary Media.

The Digital Arts Education Ning, a place for digital arts students to converse and display, is a social network specifically for DATA students and alumni. In this invitation only site you will find contest and field trip information, student-centered digital arts groups, photography, video, and communications.
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Top Marks for Student Photo Essay

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Hana Wexler, a 2008 Digital Arts Technology Academy graduate from Cathedral City High School, was a runner-up in the "California Through My Eyes" photo essay sponsored by California State University Sacramento.

Wexler's "Blue Sea" photograph, which features the landscape of the Salton and the surrounding mountains in a blue sky dappled with white clouds, was part of a photo essay for her Senior English Digital Arts Class, a class where students are given the opportunity to combine their English and digital arts skills.

You can see Wexler's photo and her accompanying essay at http://www.csus.edu/legischool/photo_contest/2008/4.html

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