Supported by Canon Solutions America, Inc., this community-based program fosters connection between students and the local Philadelphia community.

Melville, N.Y. – Art has the power to speak where words sometimes cannot. Fostering collaboration and connection between students and the local Philadelphia community, Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., is proud to support Drexel University’s TRIPOD at Writers Room program and the publication of their newest collection, Anthology 6. Co-founded and supported by Canon Solutions America, Inc. in 2017, this university-community literary arts program provides students and members of the local Philadelphia community with a creative atmosphere to express themselves and explore their artistic abilities through writing and photography.

The program included photography education, allowing the writers-in-residence to use Canon EOS 6D cameras with EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Kits to document the inspiration for their writing. Additional experiences included field trips and monthly workshops. Focusing on topics such as social justice and personal experiences, TRIPOD’s participants were able to display their creativity and talents in a bound book, which will be printed by Canon Solutions America, Inc. customer, LawrenceInk, using a Canon varioPRINT i300.

Clockwise from top left: Niyai Walker-Cruz, Paul Robeson High School ’20, photo by Natasha Hajo; Niyai Walker-Cruz, photo by Tymir Gullette; First Tuesday + Paint Day with artist Michelle Angela Ortiz at the Dornsife Center, photo by Devin Welsh; Carol Richardson McCullough and Jordan McCullough, both community residents and founding members of Writers Room, photo by Fidel Boamah.

Although this year is a bit different, and the program’s participants were unable to come together for its usual celebration at the University’s Dornsife Center, Writers Room proudly launched its annual collection, Anthology 6, on Tuesday, June 9. To celebrate the participants’ accomplishments and hard work, the TRIPOD writers-in-residence read selections of their work along with other Anthology 6 contributors in a livestreamed event through its Facebook page.

“Each year, I become even more amazed with the work our writers produce together,” said Rachel Wenrick, founding director, Writers Room. “We may not be physically together, but the program continues to foster collaboration and understanding between the students and neighbors, keeping everyone connected as a community—something especially important now while we’re at home. Although we missed being able to come together in person this year, we are happy to celebrate them with the virtual Anthology release.”

“It’s amazing to see the progress this program has made in such a short period of time—a great testament to the collaboration and connection between Drexel University and the local West Philadelphia community,” said Peter P. Kowalczuk, president, Canon Solutions America, Inc. “Aligning with our commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders, Canon Solutions America, Inc. is proud to have supported Drexel University’s TRIPOD at Writers Room, and we commend them for providing a path towards innovation and growth for students and residents of the local community alike.”

To learn more about Drexel University’s TRIPOD at Writers Room program, please visit here.