A Herricks High School sophomore has been deemed a subject worthy of focus by North Hempstead town officials.
The 16-year-old student from Manhasset, Jorge Escoto, is currently having his photography displayed in the “Winter Solstice Exhibit,” at the Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson through Jan. 25.
“Clark Botanic Garden is one of the Town of North Hempstead’s most treasured assets and serves as a beautiful and tranquil sanctuary for so many,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a statement to Blank Slate Media. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to display Jorge’s photography which embodies those very elements that make Clark Garden so unique.”
Escoto, who just started photographing this year, is the first independent student to have his art displayed at Clark Botanic Garden, according to John Darcy, North Hempstead deputy commissioner of parks and recreation.
Darcy said he first learned of the work when Escoto volunteered at Clark garden in October for school credit.
“The artwork is absolutely amazing,” Darcy said. “He has a bit of a different eye. He gets things from a different angle.”
The pictures taken focus mainly on nature and abstracts, Escoto said.
“I also do enjoy photographing people to capture their feelings at that moment,” he said. “My interest is capturing natural moments to tell a story.”
Escoto said his interest in photography began when he was a child but didn’t pursue it until recently.
“My mom always loved taking pictures and she strives in taking the best possible shot,” he said.
Escoto’s work was especially popular over the weekend after Christmas, Darcy said.
“This past weekend traffic was double to the exhibit,” he said. “Everyone loved his work, it just kind of took on a life of its own.”
Darcy said the exhibit is a welcome distraction from a busy lifestyle.
“It’s a nice experience, whether you’re from New Hyde Park or Great Neck it’s a five- to 10-minute drive,” he said. “You can come here and have a nice experience.”
Escoto said he is looking forward to his junior year where he will be able to pursue the digital photography course and may pursue photography even further after that.
“I am seriously considering the possibilities,” he said.
The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at 193 I.U. Willets Road.
