Allied Arts continues its mission of bringing art activities to younger audiences through its annual Spring Break Art Camp.
Eighteen kids signed up for a week of classes with a different activity and artist each day. Executive Director Rebekah Tobar and Program Coordinator Kristin Allen worked to plan the event and partner with artists who have previously worked for the nonprofit organization.
“Our goal is to offer multiple avenues for all ages to get involved with art and meet artists around Middle Georgia,” said Allen. “As we were planning for the classes, we wanted to create activities that allowed the kids to bring something home with them. The classes were catered to ages 6-11 but we offer many other events for older ages.”
Janice Westfall, a painter with an artisan shop in Madison, taught the first class of the week showing kids how to upcycle and control color.
“I have been doing art since I was a child, but I began selling my art in 2013. I am known for my paintings, but I also work with stained glass, create mosaic pictures, and create portraitures,” said Westfall. “I recently opened my own artisan shop at 135 W.
Washington St. in Madison and am sharing a space with other local artists, so I am used to working with fellow artisans and children.”
Westfall taught her class about recycling and using natural resources to create art. The kids used water bottles and fake plants to create fairy houses and bird feeders.
“While we used fake moss and such in the class, I taught them how to look for safe flowers and natural plants to use outside and how they can repurpose items for art. It not only promotes creativity but is good for the environment,” said Westfall.
Her class also tie-dyed shirts with a special method that allowed the students to learn about color control.
“I wanted the students to know that there is no one way to do art. With different methods in tie-dye, you can control the pattern, mix of colors, and form an image you want as you dye the shirt, despite a lot of videos online or instructional pieces not stating that,” said Westfall. “I wanted them to make something unique and personal.”
To end the class, the students were given some free time to draw.
According to Westfall, many students drew animals, flower fields, and other natural scenes that were likely inspired by the day’s activities.
“I enjoy working with students and exploring creativity and freedom of expression,” said Westfall.
“The class was fun and I think the kids really enjoyed it.”
Other classes during the week were “Paint your own Jigsaw” with Molly Fox, “Collage Art and Trinket Boxes” with Pam Newton, “The Basics of Drawing Animals” with Molly Fox, and “Paint a Scene on a Seashell/Explore Fabric Art” with Cindy Stubbs.
“When choosing classes, Rebekah and I came up with the ideas or took suggestions from the artists. We try to offer something different each year and we will have even more creative classes during our summer camp,” said Allen. “We hope anyone who missed the chance to join in on the fun this week can sign up for summer camp.”
The summer camp will be for ages 6-11 and held June 9-13.
To learn more visit milledgevillealliedarts. com or contact Allen at kristin.allen@ milledgevillealliedarts. com.