East St. Louis Fire

Driving back to Columbia from Nashville we spotted smoke over the St. Louis horizon. A car of curious journalists exited off the highway around 2am to investigate. We found a fire of a building occupied occasionally by a homeless man owned by a church next door. We were in a pretty rough neighborhood and many of the neighbors came outside to see what was going on. I definitely enjoyed the rush of my first real spot news.

IMG_1142, originally uploaded by hoffsarah1.

IMG_1321, originally uploaded by hoffsarah1.

IMG_1414, originally uploaded by hoffsarah1.

IMG_1397, originally uploaded by hoffsarah1.

Bubblegum

I finally figured out how to send larger images to blogger!

Bubblegum, originally uploaded by hoffsarah1.

Lee Expressive Arts Elementary

Art teacher Ann Mehr gives directions to third graders crafting wire sculptres at Lee Expressive Arts School on February 18. The project is part of the African art education curriculum along with gospel music inspired stained glass and jazz portraits. Mehr described the class as energized not hectic. “There will be a lot of activity and a lot of focus.” Lee Elementary offers a creative outlet for children at an early age. “The more ways that children have to learn the better learners they will be.” Said Mehr.

Outtakes from Breaking The Ice

Here are two shots of Daniel Soetaert and Bobby Johnson that I took during my breaking the ice assignment. I spent a good amount of time with these members of the board of the directors for the The Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture. Soetaert and Johnson were loading mulch into their truck for transport.

Hear For Haiti

Noah Earle performed at the Hear for Haiti Benefit Concert on Thursday night in The Blue Note. The benefit was sponsored by local Columbia resteraunts and 100% of the proceeds were donated to the American Red Cross.

Honest Emotion

Columbia resident Almeta Crayton listens intently during the Black History Month President Obama Discussion in the Armory Sports center on February 10. The discussion touched on the topics of public housing, the war in Iraq, healthcare, and Obama’s progress. Crayton was very vocal during the discussion especially regarding how the war in Iraq infringes on personal freedoms. “Someone’s child has to get on the front line so you can say what you want to say.” Said Crayton

Breaking The Ice

Find ten people you have never met, take their portrait, and learn something about them. GO!

Roots

I ventured out to Rock Quarry to do a little nature exploring and came across some interesting configurations. I found a particular tree whose roots caught my eye with their humanlike features. The roots took shape as a man running in motion. I found this especially ironic because the purpose of the roots are to ground the tree and keep it stagnant.

BWAHA and [p33]r0y

BWAHA and [p33]r0y two local DJs performed at Eastside Tavern this weekend. I had a lot of fun with this event. The music was high energy and matched the colors intensity.

Holding Up The Sky

Here are two shots from the play Holding Up The Sky backstage and onstage.

Second Photo:
Young Man, played by senior Chris Blackerby, crawls across the stage in 'Holding Up The Sky,' which opened Thursday night at the Rhynsburger Theatre. Folktales from around the world inspired the play.

Link to Maneater Article: http://www.themaneater.com/photos/2009/11/12/952487/