A Week of Learning, Memory, and Community Comes to a Close
With great joy, we concluded our 2026 Summer Program, “Preserving the Living Memory of Vieques: Photography as an Act of Memory, Healing, and Resistance,” an initiative of All Saints Episcopal Church of Vieques that brought together a group of older adults for five days to discover the power of photography as a tool for memory, self-expression, and community.
From June 22–26, participants discovered that photography is about much more than taking pictures. Under the guidance of acclaimed Puerto Rican photographer Ramón Frontera Nieves, they explored the principles of composition, light, perspective, visual storytelling, and documentary photography, developing a new way of seeing the world around them.
The program combined classroom workshops at the church’s Community Hall with educational outings to some of Vieques’ most iconic locations. Visits to Monte Pirata, the historic Ceiba Tree of Vieques, Puerto Ferro Lighthouse, and the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge gave participants the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills into practice while documenting the island’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rich history. Along the way, we were honored to learn from Park Ranger Sandra Ortiz and Professor Gilda Pimentel, who generously shared their knowledge of Vieques’ natural and cultural heritage.
The week concluded with the awarding of certificates of participation and the beginning of the project’s next chapter. Each participant will select their three strongest photographs to be considered for a Community Photography Exhibition scheduled for October, where the community will have the opportunity to experience Vieques through the eyes, sensitivity, and stories of those who have witnessed and shaped its recent history.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to photographer Ramón Frontera Nieves for generously sharing his time, expertise, and extraordinary artistic vision with our older adults. His guidance made this program a meaningful experience of learning, inspiration, and personal growth for everyone involved.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Ricardo Bouyett for providing transportation during our educational outings, and to all the volunteers, donors, and supporters whose generosity, dedication, and service made this program possible.
Our deepest appreciation goes to the participants who completed this learning journey with courage, autonomy, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine love for Vieques. Their example reminds us that the strength of the human spirit and the conviction of the soul always find a way forward. Their commitment throughout the week transformed memories into images, experiences into legacy, and photography into an expression of hope for future generations.
As a church, we believe that preserving memory is also a way of caring for our community. Through this program, we affirmed the invaluable role of older adults as guardians of our shared history and witnessed how photography can become a bridge between generations, strengthening our identity and leaving a lasting legacy for the future.
We invite you to explore the photo gallery and relive some of the most meaningful moments of this inspiring week of learning, fellowship, and shared discovery. Thank you for joining us on this educational journey, and we look forward to sharing the Community Photography Exhibition with everyone in the months ahead.