DEPARTURES 2025
Photographic Technology and Digital Interactive Media
Opening Reception: April 30, 6 - 8 p.m.
On Display: May 1 - July 31
Departures is an annual exhibition that highlights the artistry of recent graduates from Daytona State College.
Adrian Binkley
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Cecilia Pomares
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Deborah Stitchberry
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Juliet Torres
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Kerry Roberts
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Michael Velez
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Melissa Blue
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Sean Christopher Patrick
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Selena Johnson
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Sydeny Mesker
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Sonika Chen
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Adrian Binkley | Cecilia Pomares | Deborah Stitchberry | Juliet Torres | Kerry Roberts | Michael Velez | Melissa Blue | Sean Christopher Patrick | Selena Johnson | Sydeny Mesker | Sonika Chen |
MEET THE ARTISTS
Sydney Mesker
“I'm a commercial, portrait, editorial, and boudoir photographer with a deep passion for capturing human connection and personal empowerment. I specialize in both high key and low key lighting, using light and shadow to shape emotion and highlight the unique individuality of each person I photograph. At the heart of my work is the belief that everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Whether I’m documenting powerful professional portraits, intimate boudoir sessions, or unforgettable life moments, my goal is always the same: to create timeless images that help people see their worth and hold onto memories forever. ”
Kerry Roberts
“I am a portrait photographer who utilizes fantasy and conceptual elements to convey themes relating to identity, mental illness, and the queer experience that resonate with those who also feel "other" and impact everyday people on an emotional and personal level. I have had my fine art, fantasy, and conceptual work on display at multiple exhibitions throughout central Florida, including the One Daytona Art Festival and the AFPA Gallery. My goal is to pursue a full-time career as a studio photographer or photo editor, while establishing my presence in galleries and pursuing fine art on the side.”
Selena Johnson
"I am a lifestyle and portrait photographer whose work blends candid moments with intentional storytelling. Working in both color and black and white, I create images that feel honest, emotive, and visually appealing. From editorial-style portraits to everyday scenes, my photography captures people in ways that feel both natural and thoughtfully composed—always with a focus on connection, atmosphere, and the story behind the frame.”
Juliet Liann Torres
Liann is a Queer Christian specializing in anthropomorphic art (via Krita and IArtbook), graphic design, and costumes. On their free time, they indulge in the furry fandom as their fursona’s spirit form, SakuraLee Harper. Her other hobbies include content creation on Twitch and YouTube, spending time writing her work-in-progress stories, and afternoon tea time for self-care.
Debbie Stichberry
With a heart rooted in the belief that home is wherever her family is, Debbie Stichberry’s work reflects a genuine love for capturing emotion, atmosphere, and the quiet details that bring a moment to life. Having been blessed to live and raise a family around the world, Debbie brings a deep appreciation for people, places, and the beauty found in small everyday moments, everywhere. Through her lens, Debbie seeks to hold onto the stillness, energy, and feeling that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Melissa Blue
Melissa Blue is a dedicated professional photographer currently advancing her expertise with a degree in Photographic Technology at Daytona State College. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Melissa now calls Ormond Beach, Florida, her home. With over two decades of experience as a local business owner, she balances her professional pursuits with her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Capturing the authentic beauty of the world through landscapes, portraits, and pet photography, Melissa Blue strives to inspire others to see the extraordinary in everyday moments.
