The Facing Seaside IV Photography Opening Exhibition
This spring, the Weston Collective proudly hosted the Facing Seaside IV Exhibition at our studio in Seaside, California—a powerful culmination of student creativity, community connection, and the transformative power of photography. The exhibition celebrated the work of elementary and middle school students who participated in Facing Seaside IV, a yearlong photography initiative designed to highlight the vibrant people, places, and stories that make up the Seaside community.
Through digital photography, our students captured portraits and documentary-style images of local business owners. Each photograph reflected an individual narrative, bringing to light the richness and diversity of Seaside’s cultural fabric. More than just a photography project, Facing Seaside empowers students to engage with their surroundings, conduct interviews, and develop storytelling skills while learning both technical and creative aspects of the photographic process.
©Robert Daniels
The exhibition featured 25 framed works throughout the Weston Collective’s intimate gallery space. Guests were welcomed into a studio transformed by the voices of young photographers—each image carefully selected, edited, and printed by the students themselves. From artist studios to barbershops, the photos formed a collective portrait of a city seen through the eyes of its youth.
During the opening reception, students stood proudly beside their photographs, discussing their artistic choices and the relationships they built with their subjects. Family members, educators, local leaders, and members of the Seaside community came out in full support, turning the event into a multi-generational gathering that celebrated not only art but also identity and belonging.
One of the most striking aspects of the evening was the confidence and thoughtfulness with which students spoke about their work. Many had never picked up a camera before joining the program. Others found new meaning in photographing their own neighborhoods—places that often go unseen or unappreciated. Through Facing Seaside IV, they gained technical skills, artistic expression, and, most importantly, a sense of purpose and voice.
Images: ©Robert Daniels
The exhibition was more than a display; it was a moment of recognition for young artists and an invitation to the public to view Seaside through a new lens—one shaped by authenticity, curiosity, and compassion. As one visitor mentioned, “These images remind us of the beauty that exists right around the corner.”
We are deeply grateful to our students for their dedication and vision, to their families for their support, and to the local businesses and residents who opened their doors and shared their stories. The Weston Collective remains committed to nurturing youth through photography, and Facing Seaside IV stands as a testament to what’s possible when education, art, and community come together.
With this exhibition, we not only showcased stunning visual work—we celebrated a community and its youth with the dignity, pride, and creativity they so fully deserve.