Photographer teams up with New Bedford schools to raise money

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SCN Project NB

When Crystal Stone started her photo-blog on Tumblr.com, it was part of an assignment. Now, that assignment has grown into a profession, and a fun-raising partnership with the New Bedford Public Schools.

In January, Stone, a full-time employee for a health insurance company in Providence, RI, decided to return to school to follow her dream of becoming a professional photographer. She enrolled at Bristol Community College, began an internship at the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce through the College’s Cooperative Education program, and realized that her love for showcasing the beauty of the SouthCoast could benefit the city where she grew up. After discussing her goals with members of the community and the school department, Stone decided to donate the money earned from her prints to the Public School’s Fine Arts program.

“I grew up in New Bedford, and I wanted to give back in a positive way,” Stone said. “BCC gave me the opportunity to find an internship, the Chamber gave me an outlet to showcase my work, and now I’m enjoying sharing it with the entire community. It’s important to make sure that the arts stay in the schools, and that’s especially true for New Bedford, where the local arts thrive.”

“Stone Haven Photography,” the name of Stone’s business, will launch the fund-raising efforts at A-HA! Night on May 8. The campaign, titled “The Nouns Project,” will run until August 15, with proceeds going towards new equipment for visual arts programs in the New Bedford Public Schools.

“This is a very exciting partnership for the school system,” said Josh Amaral, a member of the New Bedford School Committee. “If we want our schools to move forward, we need to recognize the talent we have in the area and share it. Not only will our Fine Arts students get new equipment, but they’ll get to see and hear Crystal’s story too. It’s uplifting for them and for the whole city.”

Stone’s photos document the diversity of the people and places that make Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island unique. Prints and are being sold online at www.Etsy.com/Shop/StoneHavenPhotos. All photos are $15.

For more information, contact Crystal Stone at StoneHavenPhoto@Yahoo.com or call 774.294.8819.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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One comment

  1. Osaruname Osayi-Osazuwa

    I like stories like this one. I hope the Nouns Project would be working with Global Learning Charter Public in the near future.

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