"Since coming to the Angkor Photography Festival in 2006, Eyes Wide Open Worldwide has made invaluable contributions to Cambodia and the people of Siem Reap through their programs and fundraising. Ty and Teresa contributed with their time, passion and money and I hope they will continue their work in Cambodia using arts and photography to inspire and educate Cambodian children". Stuart Isett, Photojournalist, New York, Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, Business Week Magazine.
MISSION:
Eyes Wide Open Worldwide's (EWOW) mission is to inspire youth to develop a passion for the arts and foster their creativity, through photography.
ABOUT US:
Eyes Wide Open Worldwide(EWOW) is an organization dedicated to helping underserved youth develop their passion for art and photography through mentoring relationships with professional artists, quality exhibits and sharing perspectives of youth from around the world. We are encouraging children through hard work, compassion and creativity to follow their dreams and live them.
Based in Springfield, Ohio, EWOW collaborates with other organizations to facilitate local photography programs for children as well as projects nationally and abroad – virtually connecting children globally and sharing their perspectives through the universal language of photography.
EWOW combines mentoring with the creative element of photography to inspire a powerful experience with the potential to transform lives. Children in the EWOW project are paired with a professional photographer to learn about the principles of photography, the elements of design and the creative process through intensive study of a particular theme such as architecture or family life.
Through this process children and mentors establish a bond and learn from each other. Children experience the power of the creative process, discover a means of constructive self expression, and learn important life skills and values such as setting and achieving goals. They experience pride in and celebrate their accomplishments together with their mentors through a professional exhibit featuring their work. Every child develops a personal portfolio of professional quality work. Inspired youth are encouraged to give back by becoming mentors themselves.
