04/17/2026
In this final 28th Annual ArtEsteem Exhibition exploration before the big day tomorrow, we're shining a spotlight on our Digital Media class at Oakland Emiliano Zapata Street Academy and their Unpacking Impact photography unit.
When crafting his curriculum for the school year, Teaching Artist JD wanted to use the medium of photography to help his students identify and process how they are impacted by their built environment and lived experiences, and how those aspects of life are impacted by them in return.
JD developed lessons where the primary goal was getting outside and taking in The Town. The learnings from these "photo walks" were enhanced by historical, technical, and cultural context taken in through field trips to physical spaces like the Oakland Public Library and the Oakland Museum of California archives, and digital spaces like the University of California's Calisphere, a primary source database.
“A lot of them have never held a physical picture of their own. We print photos in class,” JD explained during our class progress interview. With most students owning smartphones, the interest surrounding photography as an art form has dwindled. JD intends to bring intentionality back into photographic practice, and with it, a reflection of the self.
The students are moved by JD's call to look within themselves, focus on the present, and capture small yet significant moments.
Carol, a 10th grader, writes in an artist statement, "I enjoy the process of noticing small things and turning them into something important through my work. Through my art, I want people to feel a sense of connection, warmth, and appreciation for the little things in life. Most importantly, my work reflects how much I genuinely enjoy creating and sharing what I see."
Fellow 10th grader Jaydee feels similarly: "Taking these pictures shows how powerful a single moment can be when you pause long enough to notice it."
Linking the evolution and accessibility of technology to self-exploration and self-development within JD's Unpacking Impact unit makes for an effective, educational, and fundamentally, relatable art practice.
We are so excited for you all to view this photography project in person. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you at the 28th Annual ArtEsteem Exhibition tomorrow!
