Local children recently completed a fun-filled week at Kid’s Art Camp hosted by Lamar Arts, a non-profit organization that strives to promote and develop artistic and cultural growth in Lamar County. This week-long camp took place June 17 through June 21 in the downtown Lamar Arts Depot & Gallery.
Due to the popularity of this camp, Lamar Arts chose to exceed maximum capacity and allowed thirty-nine kids ages 5 to 12 to participate. Local elementary art teacher, Haley Turner, served as the lead instructor. A number of volunteers, Lamar Arts board members, and teen assistants helped the event run smoothly.
Throughout the week, kids focused on daily themes such as, “I am an Artist!” and “I am a Sculptor!” Other topics included being a designer, illustrator, and problem solver. When asked, many students stated that the “Sculptor” theme was their favorite. Participants had the opportunity to test out their art skills using a wide variety of tools from paint to cardboard to crayons and more.
Turner emphasized the development of fine motor skills through several projects requiring scissors, folding paper, and sewing with yarn. Kids were encouraged to think creatively when asked to design a business logo and book cover. Campers reached into a bag and pulled out a slip of paper with a fake business name or fake book title. They would use the prompt to inspire their design. Nine-year-old Te’Niah Harris received the made up title, “The Rainbow Unicorn.” She carefully drew a whimsical unicorn and rainbow on her paper to capture the idea of her assigned title.
By the end of the week, campers made new friends and enjoyed all that Kid’s Art Camp had to offer. When working on his art camp journal on the last day, participant Bridges Mullen stated that he learned that “mistakes can be turned into something new.” Rising third grader, Owen Monroe, received his full bag of art projects to take home and exclaimed, “I can’t believe we made all of this!”
The creativity of each child was on full display this week. All of the adults involved repeatedly acknowledged how well-behaved and engaged the group was throughout the week. Valerie Lenderman, mom of two campers, expressed appreciation that her daughters were part of this year’s Kid’s Art Camp. Lenderman said, “I am grateful to have such a great environment and opportunity for them.”
Lamar Arts is set to host Create-a-Palooza during the months of July and August. Local artists and instructors will teach a variety of classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults. For workshop descriptions, cost, and registration information, visit lamararts.org. New details will continually be shared on the Lamar Arts website and Facebook page through July 1 regarding these upcoming events. The current exhibit in the Lamar Arts Depot & Gallery, “Icebergs & Glaciers, and a Retrospective” by Myrtha Vega will be on display until June 30.
Haley Turner
Haley Turner is a writer, teacher, and arts enthusiast born and raised in Jackson, Georgia. She shares stories highlighting education, community events, and local creative outlets. She resides in Barnesville with her husband, Grant.
