A Benefit for Stolen Student Camera Equipment

Hello Everyone, Happy July 2023!

My name is Robert C. Banks, Jr. and I am a Teaching Artist and Photographer/Filmmaker born and raised in the Cleveland-Hough area. I've worked with and educated many young, inspiring photographers and filmmakers over the past 25 years in the Cleveland area and abroad. I love art and creativity in the medium of traditional photography and filmmaking. I love nature and am a landscape photographer as well. Many of you know me as the analog purist, as I primarily shoot on actual film.

The City of Cleveland has so much to offer in terms of extreme geographic character and identity from its landscape and urban beauty. Keeping the arts alive through using a camera is a tremendous pride and joy for myself and the young people whom I've educated for many years. In this work, I have a short story to share with you all...

Sadly, on the 16th of July 2022, during a landscape shoot on the rocks of Lake Erie, I was assaulted and robbed of several Nikon digital cameras and lenses. Even sadder, the perpetrator committed the crime in front of several children, one of which is claimed to be his young daughter. The equipment stolen belonged to the nonprofit organization I have taught at for the past 13 years, New Bridge Cleveland Center for Arts and Technology. The value of the stolen cameras and lens is $1,700.00. We use these cameras to inspire young photographers and sometimes their families as well.

I am hosting an event to raise enough funds to replace the value of the stolen cameras and accessories back to New Bridge Cleveland and the students. As a gift and reward for your donation, I will conduct a free, outdoor portrait session for any donors on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of July, at the location of the incident. The location is Gordon Park on East 72nd Lakefront Marina. I have taken photos there for over 25 years, and this was the first ever case of robbery assault. The session will have security and will indeed be a safe and fun experience! This is about giving back to the youth and families that believe in dreams and hope for the new generation of artists and positive community support. Again, the money raised will be used to replace the cameras and lenses stolen. They will be purchased at Dodd Camera, which is a longtime supporter of New Bridge Cleveland and many photographers throughout the city. Whatever contribution you make will be a tremendous help!

Thank you so much for your support and thoughts!

Robert C. Banks, Jr

Photographer/Filmmaker