Photography classes at WMCAT inspired teen to pursue fine arts in college

In middle school Amanda became addicted to photography. However, when she entered Union High School in Grand Rapids there were no art classes and no means of pursuing her passion for black and white photography. An older friend who had attended WMCAT told Amanda all about the great classes.

Today Amanda is a senior in high school who has taken four years of photography classes at WMCAT along with graphic design, drawing, t-shirt making, and print making. She is still addicted!

“I love the atmosphere here,” she said. “We all want to be here. We all love art and we’re all open to trying new things.”

In 2011 Amanda joined fellow WMCAT students and instructors on a college visit to Northern Michigan University. That visit introduced her to the possibilities of studying fine arts in college. She was accepted to three of the five universities to which she applied and is excited to begin her studies at Northern in the fall.

Four years of photography classes with WMCAT instructor Dennis Grantz have shaped Amanda’s talents and goals for the future.

“I look at Dennis like a father figure because I’ve had him as a teacher for four years,” Amanda said as she reflected on the impact WMCAT has had on her teen years.

She looks forward to the day she can open her own photography studio, specializing in black and white images. Your gift today toward WMCAT photography supplies for our teens will help Amanda and her fellow students create, inspire and visualize a great future after high school. Thank you!