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Daytona Beach has always been known as a town with artistic roots. The Southeast Museum of Photography on the Daytona State College campus is making sure the locals get exposure as early as possible. For the past nine years, SMP has hosted programs designed specifically for children 7- to 11-years old that correlate with their film and lecture series one Saturday of every month.

SMP Education Coordinator Melissa Bresnahan, the mastermind behind the film series, lectures and children's programs, said the programs are a great way for kids to experience the art on a level they understand. "Kids need to learn visual thinking," she explained. "We intuitively do it, but to expand that and create it is necessary to succeed."

SMP Director Kevin Miller agrees that creativity is part of a fulfilling and productive mind. "Being confident in your creativity is invaluable," he said. Miller believes the lack of artistic endeavors in schools are squeezing the life out of kids, and organizations like the museum are helping to supplement creativity. "It also creates positive community sentiment about the college," he said. "The role of museums has changed over the last generation and they are now viewed as centers for learning." He enjoys the pedagogical atmosphere of the museum, where each age group is taught based on their unique comprehension of the subjects, and the kids are no exception. "Teaching is a separate process. We focus on how people learn and what environment would be conducive to learning. The concepts we teach the kids are neither too juvenile nor advanced. We do not have a lot of exhibitions are that children-accessible, so we want to give them a chance to be involved."

Bresnahan said she does not see many students bringing their children to these activities and, in fact, hardly sees students taking the initiative to attend the museum in the first place. There are many parents that attend DSC and, although the last place they wish to be is at school on a Saturday or over the summer, it is a great way for children to be a part of where they work and study every day.

Bresnahan praised volunteers and museum staff for actively participating in the teaching process. She explained that, without the the help of volunteers and student staff, "We wouldn't be able to succeed." Not only do volunteers allow the programs to remain free, in part with donations to the museum and promotions from the Volusia County ECHO Rangers, but they also lend that extra passion that kids can see and be inspired by.

"These kids are what make you happy," Bresnahan said. "Every Saturday, no matter who you are, you come out feeling better."

PLEASE RSVP some time before the program you wish to attend begins. Melissa Bresnahan, Education Coordinator, Southeast Museum of Photography, 386-506-4569 Museum Location: Daytona Beach campus of Daytona State College at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., three miles east of I-95. The museum is located in the Mori Hosseini Center (Bldg. 1200) at the front of campus. Free admission and parking is available.

The free Saturday programs for the Spring session are as follows: March 21: Sun Prints

"Learn how to use solar energy to create one-of-a-kind photographs." This program is in conjunction with the Jerry Burchfield lecture series running from February 28 - July 17. Burchfield explored the Florida sub-tropics for native and non-native plants. He placed them on special photo paper and exposed them to the sun. His developing process was simple and unique to his work, with the natural oils of the plants creating an array of colors that are both natural and surreal. Kids will peruse the DSC campus for similar plants and partake in the developing process that Burchfield has mastered. April 18: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

"Learn and explore fun techniques to make art and save the Earth!" This program correlates with the Environmental Film Festival Weekend on April 25. Kids will use found objects to create mixed media collage pieces, giving them an understanding and appreciation of Mother Earth. May 23: Up, Up and Away

"Design and build your own unique kite and with a little wind and a little luck, watch it soar!" This program mingles with the touching film documentary, Dia de Luz (Day of Light), in which "On March 6, 2008, a flood of people, music, and kites invaded the trash dump in Managua, Nicaragua, where nearly 1,500 people live, work, and make their homes." More information can be found on the website LoveLightandMelody.org It inspired the SMP crew because the sheer act of taking children in a wretched position and life and bringing them a simple joy such as flying a kite was heartwarming and empowering.

In addition to these free Saturday programs, SMP also has summer camps where, for a nominal fee, kids can expand their knowledge of specific photography practices such as dark room work, studio setups and mixed media projects taught by photographers. The charge is due mainly to the supplies rather than the tutorial. As a photography major and teacher before joining the SMP team, Bresnahan said that, as an educator, she is used to stretching her dime and obtaining the most informative and creative experience possible with a limited budget. Although she has more flexibility at the camps, the Saturday programs are still engaging and imaginative.

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