The Estevan Arts Council's day camps are back this fall to promote both art and action.
That's what Linda Gudmundson calls the camps, with the first one set for Oct. 17 and 18. The art and action camps are all about getting young people interested in the arts and encouraging them to maintain an active lifestyle.
The two-day camps take the participants from the library to the craft room and then to the pool after lunch, so the attendees receive a lesson in the camp's theme, a chance to get their hands busy on a day's art project and some fun and exercise.
The theme for the first camp this fall is Halloween, so Gudmundson, the Estevan Arts Council vice-president, expects there will be a lesson about the origins or traditions of the special day, followed by a project that is inspired by the last day in October. The camps are very hands on and give the participants lots of opportunity to be creative.
"They produce lots of art in those few days," she said. "A lot of it is crafts that they can take home."
The popular camps are held at various point throughout the school year, with the next one coming around the February school break.
The instructors typically come from in or near Estevan, and the Estevan Arts Council has a deep database of local artists who are willing to teach some of these small classes.
"Estevan has a lot of artistic talent, so we're good to (have instructors always available)," said Gudmundson.
Judy Small of Alameda will be leading the Halloween-themed camp, and Gudmundson noted she works a lot with acrylic painting, so that medium may be worked into the crafts. Gudmundson said it's really up to the instructor as to what they teach and what pieces the students do. The Arts Council supplies the materials and she said the Lions Club provides the Nicholson Centre to accommodate their larger groups.
"It's a lot of fun and the kids have a great time. We get lots of repeats," said Gudmundson.
Fall also means the startup of other classes and sessions organized by the Arts Council. She noted there are other youth classes for pottery coming up, as well as adult pottery classes. There are a number of other classes for both children and adults beginning in October and November. More information can be found on the Arts Council website.
There are still spots available for those who want to register for the youth art day camp that is intended for those aged 6-12. You can register by calling the Estevan Arts Council at 634-3942 or by going to their website at www.estevanartscouncil.com
