It's All About Art!

Belle Smith really gets into her painting with a painted nose and face smudges.	Ayla Dewald mixes paints while talking with a fellow camper during the Arab Art Camp
Lindsay Phillips takes a break from her painting during Arab Art Camp.	Megan Tidmore focuses on her artwork assignment. All photos by Dwight Hayes

July 29, 2010
More than 50 local kids spent a fun filled two weeks recently at the Arab Park & Recreation Annual Art Camp. Campers were treated to a variety of art forms, field trips, picnics, and daily swim time at the city pool. The program was open to children in grades 1-8 and ran from 9 am to 3pm each day.

In addition to the traditional art training, campers went on a nature walk at the Guntersville State Park and a trip to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. During the arts and crafts time campers learned to create artwork with Q-tips, coffee filters, and crackle paint.

Camp worker Angie Hunkapillar said one the highlights for the children was the Native American Day. Students heard an in depth history of the Cherokees in Alabama. Hunkapillar said the campers learned to make native american jewelry, a dance to pick a boyfriend, and working with gourds to make everything from utensils to musical instruments.

Campers were encouraged to keep a daily diary of their activities. On the final day of the camp parents were treated to a showcase of the children's artwork. "We sort of had an art museum to showcase the artwork." Garrison said. Each child participating in the camp received a certificate of attendance and a picture.

The weather was hot, but daily dips in the pool, and at least one day where the Arab Fire Department sprayed the campers with water, helped to make it a fun week according to Diane Garrison. Garrison said the art camp has been going on for more than 20 years and is a big hit each year.

In addition to Hunkapillar and Garrison, other camp workers helping out with the camp were: Morgan Pesnell, Aundria Walley, Andrea Hallman, Debbie Moore, and Whitney Quinn.

Click to view additional photos from the camp.....