Sara Schroeder Photography

This exhibit is dedicated to the entire Maine West High School Fine Arts Department of the early 2000s, and my photography teachers: Mike Poehler, Melissa Lloyd, and Greg Regalado. They nurtured the artist and documentarian that I am today, allowing me to explore the value in both my journalistic and fine arts observations.

Mike Poehler taught my scared freshman-year-self to use my parents' old Canon AE-1 film camera, and from there, I couldn't stop.

Mike, Melissa, and Greg's acceptance of my anxious but spirited nature led me to experience photography as a refuge when interacting with the world; a meditative practice to be fully present in any moment; to notice the tiniest details; and the ability to gift memories to people I love.

These teachers, and their faculty colleagues, supported me in the experience of screwing up and persevering through the process.

The importance of Fine Arts in schools is immeasurable - support your community's programs!