• Storytelling Through Video

    Video Production

Visual art and digital media are powerful tools for storytelling and community impact. Students in the WMCAT Teen Arts + Tech Program’s fall 2023 Storytelling Through Video studio put this into practice with a community-facing project.

Partnering with Mosaic Film Experience, WMCAT teen artists created a video highlighting the connection between the arts and mental health in the African American community for the NIA Centre — Grand Rapids African American cultural center 

This collaboration was a unique opportunity for students to engage a relevant cultural issue, build connections with community leaders and organizations, and gain and apply creative skills in video production.  

With mentorship from impact producer Tamarra Thomas, students interviewed NIA Centre Executive Director Andre Dandridge, psychiatrist Dr. Carolyn King MD, and artist Esan Sommersell.  

The subject of the video, Esan Sommersell, shared with students his experiences with self-doubt, social media, and confidence. These are things teens navigate regularly; students’ experiences and perspectives informed their approach to interviews, creative process, and production of the project. 

The final video premiered during the NIA Centre’s October 2023 “My Story 5” art exhibition at Muse featuring the work of Esan Sommersell. 

“It was an important issue and we got deep, but it was great to start that conversation and I’m glad we started that conversation.”
– Nola DeGroft, 11th Grade WMCAT Teen Artist

Behind-the-Scenes

Through the project, WMCAT teen artists learned how to prepare for and lead professional interviews, how to explore issues with thoughtful creativity, and the process of video production. Students wrote questions, filmed interviews, collected B-roll, and recorded audio to bridge the impact of social media, mental health, and artist self-determination.

Production Team

Nola DeGroft
Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High School
11th Grade

Devin Holmes
Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High School
11th Grade

Hadley Pyper
City High Middle School
12th Grade

Izabelle Rose
Innovation Central High School
12th Grade

Eleanor Swierenga
City High Middle School
12th Grade

Thy Tyler
City High Middle School
11th Grade

Olivia Varney
City High Middle School
11th Grade

Kiara Webley
CA Frost Environmental Academy
12th Grade