📸 The Living Lens: Empowering the Next Generation of Photographers

October 10, 2025

By Monica Gardoni, Vice President, FLVS Foundation Board

At the FLVS Foundation, our mission is rooted in creating opportunities that enrich the educational journey for students, opportunities that go beyond the classroom and inspire creativity, confidence, and future success. This fall, we are honored to support one such remarkable experience as FLVS student photographers take part in The Living Lens Photo Showcase and Reception at MAD Arts Museum, presented by Funding Arts Broward.

This inspiring exhibition brings together professional, amateur, and student photographers from across the nation, celebrating the art of visual storytelling and showcasing talent across every level of experience. Through the generous invitation of The Funding Arts Broward (FAB), a dedicated exhibition space will feature the work of FLVS student photographers, offering them the chance to see their art displayed alongside that of seasoned professionals and passionate amateurs.

The FLVS Foundation is proud to sponsor this portion of the showcase, furthering our commitment to supporting educational opportunities that build bridges between virtual classroom learning and real-world experience. We believe that by facilitating experiences like this, we empower students to not only pursue their passions but also explore future career paths and develop essential creative skills.

Among the many talented young artists involved, FLVS student Aiden Cardoza achieved an extraordinary milestone. Out of hundreds of submissions from across the country, Aiden’s photography was selected by a professional jury for two of the three professional showcase categories; People and Landscape, where he will exhibit his work alongside adult photographers from across the nation. Aiden’s achievement is particularly inspiring, as he will be the youngest photographer featured on the professional side of the showcase, a testament to his dedication and to the powerful impact that access to opportunities like this can have on a student’s growth thanks to our village at FLVS!

The Living Lens is more than an art exhibition, it’s a platform for young people to share their stories, express their perspectives, and gain recognition on a professional stage. These opportunities strengthen student portfolios, build confidence, and open doors to future creative endeavors.

As a board, we are deeply proud to help make experiences like this possible. Partnerships with organizations like Funding Arts Broward (FAB) and the MAD Arts Museum, along with our ongoing collaboration with Florida Virtual School (FLVS), allow us to invest directly in student success and ensure that young artists have the support and resources they need to shine.

We invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements and supporting the arts in education by attending The Living Lens Photo Showcase and Reception this fall.

🎟️ Event Details:

📅 November 14-16, 2025

📍 MAD Arts Museum, Dania Beach, FL

🔗 The Living Lens Showcase & Reception – Learn More & Get Tickets

Together, as a foundation and a community, we can continue to create pathways that empower students to dream boldly, create fearlessly, and make their mark on the world, one frame at a time.

With heartfelt pride for our student artists,

Monica Gardoni

Vice President, FLVS Foundation Board