The 2014 Book Fair Reflects on Water
Fernanda Caires, Book Fair organizer.
There were several novelties at this year's Book Fair, which had water as its main theme. Fernanda Caires, Chapel’s librarian and organizer of the event, mentions the photography contest and the art installation on the auditorium stage as the main events. She also pointed out that, for the first time in its history, the fair went on through Saturday, thus allowing more families to participate.
The Book Fair, which took place from September 17th to 20th, had traditional bookstands - new and used books sold at cost - as well as cultural activities. On the 17th, Dr. Waverli Neuberger, a professor and specialist in Education for Sustainability, gave a talk on water and the environment. On the 18th and 19th, Andi Rubinstein came for a storytelling activity.
Presentation by Grupo Clã
A partnership with teacher Sylvia Almeida produced the Water Art Installation on stage, and the auditorium was decorated with nylon threads and pieces of mirror that gave the impression that it was raining. A space was set up in the installation, where the spectator was invited to lie on air mattresses to the sound of classical music, and enjoy the "Water Video" created by student Léo Gonsalves and projected on the ceiling. On the surrounding walls, the "Water Observation Drawing" exhibit showed artwork produced by 8th, 9th and 10th grade students.
Saturday’s activities started with a painting workshop coordinated by the art teachers, in which families could give wing to their imagination by drawing and painting subjects inspired by comic strips and super heroes. The presentation of the theatrical piece, "Água" (Water) by Clã was a hit with the young spectators, and ended the day's activities. As part of the Book Fair, writer Jonas Ribeiro will be visiting Chapel on October 29th.
Students visit bookstands
"I am very pleased to see students engaging not only in books and literature, but, at the same time, in such an important discussion as that of water. I think Chapel's library team is doing a great job in their role of promoting reading and fostering critical thinking," summarizes Fernanda Caires about the event's importance. The librarian recalled that all the references to water evoked a long-awaited guest: the rain. It came down on the last two days of the Book Fair and was welcomed enthusiastically by the spectators.
Photographs that fill the eyes with tears
Water was the theme of the photography contest held during the 2014 Book Fair. The contest was open to the entire Chapel community and awards were given in three categories: Elementary, High School and Adult.
The photos were exhibited throughout the four days of the event so that Book Fair goers could vote. Librarian Fernanda Caires announced the winners on September 23rd. Check out the winning photos and what the authors had to say:
Adult category - "Cause or Effect,” by Jennifer Miller
Jennifer Miller
Cause or Effect
The photograph was taken in Party, Brazil in January of 2012. Trying to escape the grey of São Paulo, I fled to Paraty with a friend in search of some brighter weather. Upon arrival, we were greeted with rain, rain, and more rain. Eventually, the weather cleared, leaving the cobblestone streets flooded with rainwater. The water was so still. It perfectly reflected painted doors, buildings, and anything else that lay above it. I was struck by the symmetry. The boy on the bicycle in the photograph disrupted the water and disfigured the mirror image. Focusing on the distorted side of the picture gave me the idea for the name "Cause or Effect." Meaning that, each of our actions has a consequence on our environment. Allowing a cause or an effect to drive the decision about ow water is used is up to you.
Thank you for the votes. There were so many beautiful pictures dedicated to water.
If you are in need of a photographer, please feel free to contact me at jlmiller29@gmail.com
High School category - "Endless," by Marcella Maksoud
Marcella Maksoud
Endless
"This picture is a combination of two of my favorite things: photography and the sunset. 'Endless' was taken during my vacation trip to the Caribbean, more specifically, close to the island of Saint Barts, where I watched the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. I decided to name the photo 'Endless' because of two elements that I believe are infinite in the photo, the ocean and the sun. Water, the unending ocean, is its primary source in this photo, and if you think this picture is striking, you just can’t imagine how beautiful it was in reality!"
Elementary category - “The Up Water," by Dhana Henouda
Dhana Henouda
The Up Water
"I love photography; I like picking up the camera and then going out on our horse farm and taking pictures of everything… people, animals, and nature. I took this picture because I wanted to see how the water moved when hit by a drop. My stepdad is a photographer and taught me loads of things... I also asked my mom for a Polaroid, which I always carry with me, so that I can give away the pictures I take as a gift, as soon as I take them! I was so happy they liked my picture; I will continue taking lots of them, so that they get nicer and nicer. Sometimes, I need to take a slew of them just to get one the way I want it. The water-drop one was like that… the faucet either let out too much water or not enough… to get that color of water, you have to adjust the camera light."
Dhana taking her picture and attempts that did not work out