www.montereycountynow.com MAY 22-28, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 33 ARTS For the fourth consecutive year, The Weston Collective presents Facing Seaside, a project and exhibit inspired by and devoted to local businesses. “It’s a way to get kids involved with the community,” says Zach Weston, photographer and executive director of the collective. “They grab the camera and we introduce kids to local business owners, the history of the business and the culture of their community.” The Weston Collective is a nonprofit photography and film program at Martin Luther King, Jr. School of the Arts in Seaside. Its studio looks like a computer lab, with a big table in the middle of the room and computer stations all around. Cameras are on the shelves and there’s a small darkroom attached, built by Weston and his father, photographer Kim Weston. The classes are a mixture of digital photography and film, but Facing Seaside is all digital work—including works by the students at the Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula in Seaside, where the collective also offers classes twice a week. The exhibit showcases photographs by 23 students and presents business-style photography, emphasizing portraits, headshots and—with permission of business owners—work environments. “There’s more to photography than art,” Weston explains, adding that the young students, in grades four to eight, can potentially become successful commercial photographers. Each year, young artists pick four to five businesses and visit them as a group. They practice lighting techniques and how to set up for a photo. Then there’s editing and photo selection. “It’s amazing what they capture, how they see the world,” Weston says. Since schools are cutting budgets, art and photography classes are often the first to go. Weston wants to fill this gap and introduce his craft as a potential career. “Facing Seaside is a project where business owners that are from the area let us take photos of them and connect with them,” says Steven V., a fourth grader. “I enjoy talking and getting to know them.” Because the studio, where the exhibit is displayed, is on a school campus, the opening will be the easiest way to see the photographs. Otherwise, an appointment has to be made. Facing Seaside IV opens 6-7:30pm Thursday, May 29. The Weston Collective at Martin Luther King, Jr. School of the Arts, 1713 Broadway Ave., Seaside. Free. 233-2100, thewestoncollective.org. THE WESTON COLLECTIVE On the Job The Facing Seaside project by The Weston Collective teaches youngsters commercial photography. By Agata Popęda Budding photographers in action at Seaside’s Imperial Barbershop. Students also visited AMG Cyclery, Monterey Clay Studio and the Weekly—all located in Seaside. Domenico’s on the Wharf features Cioppino–a house specialty, Boat to Table Wild Alaskan Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller are a sample of the many great menu choices. Also enjoy Fine Wines and Cocktails, Desserts and Great Service. A local favorite celebrating 43 YEARS on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 50 OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF MONTEREY • 831-372-3655 www.domenicosmonterey.com Open Daily 11:30am to close Fresh Seafood, Italian Classics, Prime Steaks, with Beautiful Harbor Views. Make MeMorial Day WeekenD reservations carmel- by- the- sea (831)625-8106 trunk show may 23rd-25th made to measure event Thurs – Mon 4:30 – 9 PM Sunday Munch 11:30–4:30 PM 281 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey www.oystertownusa.com Happy Hour 4:30–5:30 PM
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