On April 5, Parker alumna Kathryn Avila ‘08 shared a collection of her photography  titled Crossed Countries, featuring photographs from her six-week journey through Europe. Her work focused on urban architecture, landscape, and culture. The event was held from 7 PM at the Anna Held Floral Studio in Edgewood.

Matted pictures of urban landscapes and citizens of Italy, Belgium, and France hung on the walls of the vintage-looking, bohemian floral studio. Assorted spring flowers, tools, metal chairs, and a cushioned couch were spread around the gallery room while a stream of visitors walked in through the front door to look around and converse with other visitors. At first just a few people walked into the gallery, but as time passed, the event picked up until dozens of people walked through aesthetic bouquets, and sculptural floral installations to experience the exhibit. By 10 p.m., there were around 25 visitors.

Avila discovered the Anna Held Floral Studio when she was asked to do a photoshoot for a friend there and met Beth Tarrant, the studio’s owner.

According to Civic Engagement Administrative Assistant and Upper School Technology Facilitator Lisa Williams, who used to be Avila’s computer teacher, there were roughly 30 pictures displayed at the showcase. “She had different groupings of pictures on each wall,” Williams said. “Five pictures here, five pictures there.”

The pictures were organized by country. “The amazing thing was that it was from 7 o’clock to 11 o’clock at night, so I was able to go at 10 o’clock at night,” Williams said. “When I talked to Kathy, she said that she had seen at least 4 other Parker teachers.”

According to Avila, her sister Cynthia Avila ‘12 had sent an email about the exhibit to Communications Director Nick Saracino, stating that Kathryn was having this exhibit, and Saracino spread the message. “The teachers there were Peg Zerega, Robin Masters, George Drury, and Ms. Williams,” Avila said. I honestly could not have been more surprised and happy in my entire life. Those were my middle school teachers. Ms. Williams was the Upper School computer teacher. I loved all of them. The fact that they came and took the time to show their support for me—it was just a fantastic feeling.”

The trip through Europe that inspired Crossed Countries was initially meant for mental rejuvenation and self-discovery but grew into more. “While I was there, I found myself really practicing my photography skills,” Avila said. “When I returned, I had this awesome idea to share what I captured.” The pictures Avila took feature everyday life and broad perspectives of different parts of towns, street signs, and architecture.

“I sold prints at the show, and I’m still setting up the online store and my website and everything.” Avila said. “I’ll be selling these prints in different formats. If people want to buy them framed, matted, I have all of the supplies and materials that I can do that with.”

Avila, who graduated from Loyola University in 2012 with a degree in Fine Arts and Communications, is currently a professional photographer. She displays some of her past wedding photography on her website. “Wedding photography is the niche, financially, that I’m trying to get myself into right now. As someone still trying to build a career, wedding photography and engagements is what’s easiest for me to keep it stable in terms of the finances.”

Avila is looking to explore lifestyle photography.  She said, “My visual goals are to capture love and life in the ways that I feel it—passionately, curiously, and kindly.”

When Avila was a high school student, she knew that art was her passion. “I was always in the Fine Arts wing, so I knew being a creative was in my future,” she said. “It’s funny, actually. I never took photography classes at Parker. I knew the whole art staff because I was a painter and a drawer. I was an artist of sorts. I was always in classes with Mr. Matson and Ms. Cole. Those two were like my mentors creatively through Parker.”

Parker’s art department currently offers two consecutive photography courses taught by photography teacher Kiley Piercy, which develop skills in the fundamentals of composition and the essentials of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Sophomore Isaac Warshaw is a passionate photographer who took a photography class last school year. “I wanted to certify my skills because I’m mostly self-taught,” Warshaw said. “And one of my favorite things was that Mr. Piercy taught us about things to have in mind when taking the photo. Not just editing, but what to do before the shot to enhance the image. If I continue my passion, which hopefully I will, I’d be open to having a gallery one day.”

Warshaw had suggestions to improve Parker’s photography curriculum. “It’s interesting to use film, and the darkroom is underutilized,” he sad. “Also, if they had photography challenges throughout the school for extra credit… because I see a ton of those online.”

When asked about the challenges of an art major in college, Avila recalled pursuing art as scary at first, but eventually rewarding. She said, “Pushing away from the creative atmospheres in college just made me realize that it was what I wanted to be doing most.”