The Tribune

By ETHAN KNOWLES

THE National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is running its first annual Mixed Media Summer Art Camp, which aims to expose Bahamian youth between five and 15 to the various modern art forms.

The six-week camp – which runs from June 22 to July 31 – is the brainchild of Abby Smith, the NAGB’s education officer. She, with the gallery’s staff, organised the camp in an attempt to offer a unique art programme focused on providing adolescents with the opportunity to delve into miscellaneous art forms, such as film and painting. This is intended to encourage individual expression among the campers, regardless of background. With the help of sponsors and a diligent faculty, the camp runs from 9am-3pm, Monday to Friday, and all art supplies, snacks and lunch are included following registration.

Campers are instructed by experienced Bahamian artists alongside amiable volunteers.

I worked with the gallery’s staff as a volunteer for the first two weeks of the summer art camp. I was met by welcoming smiles, helpful arms and open minds on my first day and these attributes flowed into following days. I learned about collage, ceramics, film, painting and other artistic mediums during my time at the programme and I applauded up-and-coming Bahamian artists during guided tours through the various exhibitions. The art gallery is housed within the architecturally archaic Villa Doyle, on the corner of West and West Hill Streets. Often, I found myself admiring the refined building as I helped the campers compose their pieces on the many terraces encircling the edifice.

For a typical camp day each child is given paper or a sketchbook and pencils to begin an activity commonly referred to by all as “Morning Scribbles”. This activity engineers an array of uniquely random sketches to start the day. After this, campers are split into three age groups and begin working with a local artist on a different art form until snack time. Afterwards, the artists switch age groups, allowing all campers to receive the opportunity to explore new avenues and use their imagination. Then it’s lunch, followed by a game of soccer, volleyball or basketball and finally another chance to fire up the creative engine.

I find the value of a camp to be layered – and an art camp is no different. A new experience with new friends is precious in itself, but when coupled with a supportive staff, selfless volunteers and eager artists, the value only increases. I would encourage others to do the same. They will learn the fruits of working in a place of interest and realise that the boundless value of collaborating with children only just matches the value of the masterpieces they create. Space for volunteers remains, though the deadline for campers has passed.

Ethan Knowles is a 12th grade student at Queen’s College