New York Hamazkayin Sponsors Summer Photography Program for Kids

NEW YORK—The Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural and Educational Society of New York recently announced its newest initiative for the Greater New York Armenian community. “Nugarner, Nugarner: A Photography Summer Program for Kids” is a four-session program taking place this August at the Armenian Center in Woodside, N.Y.

Participants 10-15 years old will learn the basics of using a camera and study the history of photography, including the works of Armenian photographers. They will also take part in discussions with various guest speakers and will attend a field trip to photograph a local Armenian church. Participants will the present their work at a photo exhibit in the fall.

“Nugarner” participants will gather once a week for the month of August on the following dates and times: Thurs., Aug. 6 from 12-4 p.m.; Thurs., Aug. 13 from 12-4 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 21 from 1-5 p.m.; and Fri., Aug. 22 from 1-5 p.m. All participants must bring a bag lunch.

This year’s program will be run by professional photographer Tina Tcholakian who comes from a family of photographers and artists. She graduated from Drexel University with a BS degree, majoring in photography and minoring in graphic design. Tcholakian currently owns her own company and specializes in fashion photography, such as runway modeling and magazine spreads. She also photographs social events, such as weddings and Christenings, and takes portraits, for example head shots, baby portraits, and family portraits.

Tcholakian is an AYF alumnus and, in a recent interview in the Armenian Weekly, described how her passion for photography merges with her life in the Armenian community.

She said, “As an active member of the AYF, I always photographed many of the events we have in our New York community, as well as designed many of the promotional and informational pieces we distribute. I am very proud to say in the history of photography there have been several Armenians of great influence and I have given an educational for the youth to remind them how rich of a culture we have.”

There is a $35 fee that includes program and registration. For more information and a registration form, email hamazkayinny@yahoo.com or call (774) 217-3731.