Collaboration Brings 5 Weeks of Kids Art Camp to TD
All together: ART CAMP 2021!!!!!!
By Tom Peterson
A partnership between local art organizations is bringing a full slate of interesting art classes for local children in The Dalles, said The Dalles Art Center’s Director Scott Stephenson on Tuesday, June 22.
Students generally falling into grades second through fifth can explore mosaic tiles, try some bucket drumming, use recycled materials to make mixed media costumes or jump into fiber arts, learning about knitting, sewing and dyeing.
These are just several of the activities planned for the camps that run five weeks beginning on July 12.
It looks to be a primo program filled with fun to make the summer run. This creative art-lovers camp will bring learners home ready to dance into dreamland, according to class materials.
Check out the artists and all of the classes at their website here. And scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis. Click here for the scholarship form. Click here for the registration form.
“We are going to be holding the camps at the Civic Auditorium because we need more space,” Stephenson said, noting it will also allow for social distancing.
How This Is Possible
The program has been put together during the last nine months and is the result of a collaboration between several groups - The Dalles Art Center, Columbia Center for the Arts and Arts In Education of the Gorge.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our local kids,” Stephenson said, noting the partnership puts knowledgeable artists in front of students for a top-notch dive into the class or classes of their choice.
Stephenson said they are also working with the D21 School district to see if they can arrange for some transportation to classes.
“This is kind of our mission,” he said. “We are a connecting hub and inspiring kids with art - that is what we're trying to do.
During a class in 2019, Stephenson said he had one student say, “This is better than my Ipad. It’s incredible that a kid would say that unprompted.”
“We started working on this last September, he added. We had a consultant help with a Memorandum of Understanding. This is just a great opportunity to offer great education opportunities you just don’t get in The Dalles.”
Here’s a rundown on the classes in case you missed the website
July 12th -16th | Rhythm & Blues, Drums & Paintings
Join artists Molly Holmlund and Tim Snyder for a week of drumming, drawing, watercolor, and music. In this five-day camp, learners will draw and experiment with watercolor exploring color through rhythms to make for a fun and lively experience. Students will use drumsticks, bucket drums, pencils, watercolor, and other multimedia. An introduction to visual thinking strategies helps campers respond to artworks by professional artists and encourages imagination and sense of wonder. This creative art-lovers camp will bring learners home ready to dance into dreamland.
July 19th -23rd | Stitch & measure, trash to treasure
Join mixed-media artist and educator Jess Graff for a five-day art camp of creativity and connection. Participants will create objects out of recycled objects, learn sewing skills, use hand tools and explore materials such as fabric, plastic, cardboards, metal, fibers, and other reusable items; all with ample help from adults. Participants will play and experiment with dozens of new materials to build their own wearable treasures, as well as collaborate to create a group artwork for the art center. With plenty of math and science for good measure, this camp will bring out the inner fashion designer, builder, and artist.
July 26th-30th | Builders & buckets
Join artists Rod Stuart, Peggy Wooten, and Tim Snyder for a week of woodworking, mosaic tiling, tesselation making, bucket drumming, and all-around fun! Campers will build wooden creatures to tile and paint, learn about mosaics, and the art of tiling. Make music and design their instruments. This camp will set kids up to be great helpers with your next remodel!
August 2nd-6th | Fabulous Fiber arts
Join artists Stephanie Delgado, Erin Erickson, and Amy Gray for a week of multi-media and design projects. In this five-day camp, learners will stitch, knit, sew, dye and design using fibers, thread, yarn, and a plethora of fabrics. We'll augment and embroider on photographs, use embroidery hoops, child-safe needles, classroom looms, and more. For kids that are interested in fashion, design, and handicrafts this camp will be a fantastic introduction to new tools and techniques.
August 9th-13th | wild things, come & play!
Join Deb Currier and friends for a week of theatre games and creative activities designed to spark imagination, teach fun acting/character techniques, and ultimately create our very own drama showcase! Inspired by Maurice Sendak’s classic, Where the Wild Things Are, we’ll explore acting, designing, dramatic writing, and performing while we bring our own Wild Thing characters to life!
Check out the artists and all of the classes at their website here.
Click here for the scholarship form.
Click here for the registration form.
