Altered Art Projects

Youngsters find artistic self-expression at group's Creative Kids Camp

PALM COAST -- If art truly feeds the soul, then the Flagler County Art League has heaping helpings to dish out this summer -- especially for the younger set.

Among the group's many activities and classes is a series of summer art workshops for youngsters called Creative Kids Camp.

Budding artists flocked to the art league's offices at the City Marketplace complex on Cypress Point Parkway last Wednesday to work with watercolors. The session was the second of four planned workshops for young artists. Future sessions include altered art projects today and drawing techniques on July 13.

For Robert Stanier, the art camp is a chance for his children, Robert, 6 and Savannah, 7, to get more exposure to art and have fun at the same time.

"It's really great, especially with them cutting back on art programs in schools," he said. "Kids love this stuff."

For Art League member Joan Mangano, the camp is part of the organization's mission to bring art to the community.

"It's been fabulous," she said. "We had to turn people away."

Mangano said exposing children to all kinds of art techniques has struck a chord with parents in the community.

"People are loving to have their kids participate in the arts," she said.

At Wednesday's session on watercolors, Mangano said student artists would do more than just apply paint to paper.

"We'll talk about primary colors and making secondary colors," she said. "And we'll show different ways of textures and techniques."

While doing art projects is always fun for children, Mangano said the program is also designed to teach different artistic expressions.

Pointing to the variety of art objects on display at the group's office, Mangano said those works will provide inspiration for the young artists.

"We will refer to the things that are here," she said.

Art League member Joyce Gatonska said the group is excited about the turnout for the sessions.

"We are thrilled that so many people were so interested in having their kids participate in this creative expression," she said. "The instructors, like the kids, have been having fun."

Gatonska said the enthusiasm the youngsters have for art is contagious.

"The kids inspire a whole other level of creativity," she said.

While much of the camp is focused on learning techniques and forms of expression, Gatonska said at its heart it's a chance for children to be themselves and do their own thing.

Vintaj Blog » Blog Archive » Altered Art Project: My Favorite ...

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