The creative teen mind has a place to unfurl this summer as, for the first time, the Two Rivers Gallery has rolled out the welcome mat for a Teen Art Week as part of its summer programming, from Aug. 11 to 15.
"We are finding that there is a need for this age group, and we hope this is something we can start this year that will continue on every year, or an age group we can include in other ways throughout the year," said Anna-Maria Lawrie, public programmer at the gallery. "It's for youth aged 13 to 16, and it's for anyone, regardless of skill level. Those who have less practice will be helped to do what they can and those with more skill level will be helped to do what they can. The activities will be designed for everyone to develop their artistic side and have fun."
Each day will have a different slate of activities with many artistic disciplines will be in play. The atmosphere will be fun and the camp supervisors will give each participant room to grow as an artist, regardless of what the participants have done before. They will be busy from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day.
"During our week in camp, the emphasis will be on exploration, experimentation, and sinking our teeth into serious art projects that are not always possible in school," said Lawrie. "We'll be using different techniques, such as silk screen printing and acrylic painting, to capture the images students want to portray."
Since the camp is being held under the umbrella of the region's municipal gallery, part of the structure of the camp will also be learning how to believe in one's self as an artist.
"Participants will be out and about town with sketchbooks in hand to gather inspiration for their studio work. In addition, they will learn how to create an artist statement and how to mount and display their work. At the end of the week, they'll have a mini-exhibition to show off what they were working on at camp," Lawrie said.
To sign up, visit the front desk at the gallery or log onto the gallery website (tworiversgallery.ca) and hit the Children's Programs button on the main page, then click the Summer Creativity Camp link. Cost is $183 (discounts for gallery members and for siblings).
On their website, there is also information about other art classes and creative programs arranged for the summer and throughout the year for children of all ages. Contact Lawrie directly for more information at [email protected] or call 250-614-7800.
