Camp ArtSpark
Recently, I had the honor to teach visual art to 5-8th graders from the Northwest Arkansas region. It was an arts camp including visual art, theatre, dance, and music, all taught by exceptional young instructors and assisted by Student Leaders. In addition, professional development for teachers was offered and focused on arts integration. Participants were able to observe arts integration in person in the camp sessions. Camp was held at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center on the University of Arkansas Campus. It was sponsored by the Women’s Giving Circle with a grant written by Martha Sandven. Additional funding was provided by FPAC.
Martha was inspired by my ArtSpark creativity boxes, and constructed the idea and grant for the camp based on this inspiration. A box was given to every camper, instructor, interns, PD participants, and FPAC staff. Campers were surprised with one as they received certificates after the Friday showcase. A few surprised siblings received ArtSpark boxes, as well. The hope is that new sparking of art campers experienced at camp would continue through the summer at home.
I chose to focus the visual art sessions on the mandala form. Each day, campers created a mandala with a new medium, including the Chance Mandala with water-based marker, collage, colored pencils on black, air-dry clay, and map-making.
Thank you to Martha Sandven, Stephanie Flinn, Nicole Leachman and James Jackson of the Faulkner Performing Arts Center, Women’s Giving Circle, and Canopy NWA.
Outstanding Instructors:
Ethan Lubera, Theatre
Lexi Sprenger, Puppet Theatre
Sam Ellis, Music
Zoe Brown, Claire Fugate, Hannah Mucha, Dance
Super Student Leaders:
Solomon Cohen
Sol Hull
Valeria Salto
Alex Siria
I was proud of the curriculum I developed during this camp. Campers and their families were thrilled. One rising seventh grader told me that she went home each day and drew for at least 30 minutes. That is HUGE.
Lastly, I can’t explain how surreal it was to see my logo on stickers, t-shirts, and projected in the theatre as a back drop to the Showcases. So exciting!
