Would Leonardo da Vinci like the iPod? How did European artists portray family and friends, or work and play? These are just some of the questions that forty-five art school students explored during the Art School’s 2012 Summer Camp from July 9 – 27.
In three different, week-long sessions, campers ages five-to-seven and eight-to-twelve learned the fundamentals of drawing, painting, sculpting, theater, and more while engaging their minds and bodies in creative and productive summer play. Students spent roughly thirty-five hours a week exploring European and Renaissance art with themes such as Artists Thru the Ages, Telling Stories Thru the Elements of Art, and Art From the Heart.
Following the Disciplined Based Art Education (DBAE) approach, students were introduced to curriculum that merged art disciplines with topics that progressed from art history, story telling and individual exploration. The DBAE approach is a guideline for art education that encompasses art history, production, aesthetics and criticism into one unit rather than teaching them separately. The Art Camp also focuses on age and developmental appropriateness and takes about a year to plan.
Likewise, the students were introduced to projects that required multiple steps, encouraging them to plan their efforts, make choices, and teach them how to work authentically. For example, students working with Mrs. A created “Mona Lisa inspired self-portraits” that required research of Renaissance fashions and garments. Photos of each child were also used as guides for proportion and size.
Each Friday, friends and families gathered in Bishop Gallery at the end of the day for a performance and exhibition of the students’ projects during the past week.
“The Art Camp is always hectic, but it is always so much fun,” said Mrs. A.
For information or to register for future Art School classes please call 810.237.7315
The Art School’s fall catalogue can be viewed at flintarts.org.
Flint Institute of Arts 