Testimonials
Our numerous awards and accolades, including the 2013 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award, is visible recognition of this collective impact and success. But our students and artists themselves best illustrate what can be accomplished when a passionate and committed organization and an energized, supportive community join together.
Featured CEPA Photography Works Student: Bradley Zubek
My name is Bradley Zubek and I’m 14 years old. I am in 8th grade at West Seneca West Middle. I have an interest in old cameras and pictures. My favorite subject in school is Art. I have a little sister and I also have 4 dogs.
Photography Works: CEPA’s Mentoring Program“CEPA has opened my eyes to photography. I have learned how to properly use my camera and and edit photos. The teachers and students are very easy to connect with. I would not be the photographer I am today without CEPA. Taking CEPA classes is a very eye opening experience. I would definitely recommend taking a class.”
Featured CEPA Photography Works Student: Tessa Covello
My name is Tessa Covella and I’m a Junior at The Buffalo Seminary and I’ve been taking photos for three years. Some of my hobbies include hip-hop dance, photography, and listening to music. I have two sisters, both older, and two cats and one dog. My favorite subject is math because it’s a challenge.
Photography Works: CEPA’s Mentoring Program“CEPA and its teachers have taught me to reach out of my comfort zone and take photos. The community here has given me more confidence in my photos. CEPA has given me an overall great experience in learning how to take photos and I would definitely recommend the classes to other people.”
Featured CEPA Photography Works Student: Juliette Falzone
Hi my name is Juliette. I’m 13 and I go to Kenmore West High School. My favorite subject in school is gym because I like playing sports.
Photography Works: CEPA’s Mentoring Program“CEPA taught me to find what I like most about photography and helped me to take better pictures. I have improved in my photgraphy skills and now feel more comfortable about showing off my photos. All the teachers are really nice and make sharing your photos more comfortable. I would highly recommend taking classes here.”
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Featured CEPA Graduate: Darron Whitsett
A former student of one of CEPA’s many art programs in schools, Darron Whitsett participated in a photojournalism program where students created a newspaper from the ground up. He later joined ArtWorks!, one of CEPA’s after school programs. During the year-long advanced photography course, students worked with all of CEPA’s artists in residence—learning and working in their style, exhibiting their work throughout Buffalo, and producing a personal catalogue at the end of the program.
CEPA’s Art Programs in SchoolsDarron is now a professional photographer, designer, and artist. Learn more about him at his website: www.darronlw.daportfolio.com »
“CEPA’s art programs helped shape my life in so many positive ways. The things I learned then are the foundation of what I do today. They have afforded me the chance to travel and be creative, a dream I have had since I was a child . . . a dream that CEPA’s program gave me a framework for. For that I will be forever grateful.”
Featured CEPA Photography Works Student: Jose Lagares
Jose came to Buffalo from Puerto Rico about four years ago. He became interested in photography while looking at an architectural photography book in school at Lafayette where he is now a junior. He found CEPA and has been coming consistently for over two years to learn the art of photography. Because of his dedication, his talent and creativity, he was chosen to go to the White House to receive the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program award from Michelle Obama on behalf of CEPA.
Photography Works: CEPA’s Mentoring Program“In the program I learn about photography and how to use a professional camera. It has helped me discover that I have a passion for photography. It is important to me because it has opened many doors to the world of photography. I would tell other kids, friends and neighbors to participate in a program like this one because it’s good for today, tomorrow and your future and it will make a big difference in your life. There are great people in the program that are willing to do everything to help your dreams come true.”
Featured CEPA Buffalo Charter School Student: Danni Jo Bechtold
15-year-old Danni Jo Bechtold was born and raised in rural Montana. Upon moving to Buffalo with her father and two ridiculous dogs in November 2012, she spent a year attending Tapestry Charter High School before returning to Montana in August 2013. After finishing high school, she plans on attending a university in Europe where she will double major in English and World Religion. After college, she hopes to join the Teachers Without Borders Program and work on her first novel. She hopes to write and take pictures for the rest of her life—that’s what she was built to do.
Photography Works: CEPA’s Mentoring Program“CEPA was a place for me to breathe and be myself. I found a community of people that I connected with who provided a space for me to learn and create. I loved meeting new people and sharing with other artists. CEPA provided me a place to learn about the photography world and help me realize that this is a passion that could last a lifetime. And I’m so grateful.”
Featured CEPA Summer Art Program Student: Aaron Connor
CEPA’s Summer Art Programs“During my years of going to CEPA camps, I’ve had many fun experiences. This summer I learned to make paper cut-out animation, and in the past we’ve even made our own pinhole cameras out of a can! I would not have had the opportunity to work in a darkroom if I hadn’t come to CEPA. The staff is always friendly, and I plan to come back in the future.”
Featured CEPA Buffalo Charter School Student: Christian Coronado
A student at Buffalo United Charter School, Christian Coronado’s favorite subject in school is math because he is good at it—that and rollerblading. He has two brothers, and he loves the diversity that Buffalo has to offer. In the future, Christian wants to be a photographer.
Photography Works: CEPA’s Mentoring Program“I learned how photos were way back when, and how to properly use the darkroom. The students and teachers were all really nice. Even though we all just met we felt like we already knew each other. It made me interested in becoming a photographer.”
Featured CEPA Teaching Artist: Aitina Fareed Cooke
Meet CEPA’s Teaching Artists »“CEPA Gallery was part of my transformation as a teen. I was introduced to photography and graphic design when I was 15 through a community center program. During this time I was dealing with low self-esteem. I felt worthless and my heart yearned for a purpose in life. When I participated in a CEPA after-school program I learned how to develop photos in the darkroom and fell in love with the art form.”
“Being involved in this program gave me confidence, courage to be creative, and introduced me to my career field. Today I am a photography business owner, a CEPA Gallery teaching artist, and I’m pursuing a Master’s in Educational Technology at Buffalo State College. I appreciate CEPA Gallery and its staff for being consistent, encouraging, and committed to my success!”
Featured CEPA Mentoring Student: Sabrina Marrazzo
Sabrina Marrazzo was introduced to CEPA Gallery’s Summer Photography Art Camp at age 8, sparking her talent and encouraging her to venture off in an independent pursuit of digital photography. She later rejoined in one-on-one mentoring sessions with Education Director Lauren Tent—and Sabrina is now an assistant teaching artist with CEPA Gallery.
Her multiple talents have helped her to win “Best in Show” for charcoal drawings submitted to Pulse magazine, a national award-winning high school magazine; and Orchard Park’s Art Splash, an annual display of student art work. She is currently the photo editor for The Voice, the Orchard Park High School newspaper; photo editor for Orchard Park’s yearbook (which earned her the Herff Jones Award); and freelance photo journalist for Buffalo News‘ neXt magazine.
Sabrina has also launched her own photography business, Hello August Photography, producing unique portraits and fine art at a reasonable price.
Photography Works: CEPA’s Mentoring Program“Being a student of photography and art opens your eyes to a reality of the world. Sharing a perspective of the world with others helps me to be a better artist, and helps others to find their own perception.”
Featured CEPA Summer Camp Student: Rachel Norvilitis
11-year-old Rachel has been taking photographs since she was five and has twice attended summer camp at CEPA. She enjoys taking pictures of flowers, buildings, and her cat Max. Her work has been exhibited at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, and won awards from the Erie County Fair, the Buffalo Zoo, and Doors Open Niagara.
CEPA’s Summer Art Programs“When I was at camp at CEPA I had a lot of fun. I loved to walk around the city because it is cool to photograph different buildings. Also, I was glad to use the darkroom. That personally is my favorite because it is fun to see the pictures develop. CEPA gallery is a cool place to hang out. I like to look at the exhibits and talk to the staff. I was glad that the teachers would let us take photos more than just talking about them. I am eager to go next year!”
Featured CEPA Intern: Christian Ruhl
Christian Ruhl was born in 1995 in Regensburg, Germany, and moved to Buffalo in 2007. His parents’ photography was his main inspiration when he bought his first used Nikon FM2 in 2008. Christian graduated from Williamsville North High School in 2013 and is currently attending Williams College, where he joined the sailing team and is the photo editor of the Williams Record, the school newspaper.
CEPA’s Art Internship Program“I volunteered at CEPA during my Junior and Senior years of high school. It was probably the best and most valuable intern experience that I have had so far. It was my first introduction to how art galleries work on the inside, and it has made me decide to take Art and Art History classes at college. Now that I’m in college, I realize just how much I learned at the gallery. As a photo editor of the Record, I can use Photoshop and InDesign to work with the photographers and writers to help make the paper look as good as possible. It was a privilege to work there and also a lot of fun!”
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