from the KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY 281 FRONT STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 295-6616 Fax: 295-6649
Attention: News editors, news directors, features editors and programming directors. Please use the following item as a news story, public service announcement or community event. Pix available. For immediate release Aug. 16, 2004.
The Kids of Summer, an exhibition of art by children opened Saturday, Aug. 28, with a party from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Fort East Martello Museum and Gallery. The almost 100 ArtCamp2004 students, along with their families, friends and neighbors, spent the Saturday afternoon viewing the artwork in the Martello's Sanchez gallery. Admission was free. The students, ages 7 though 12, who attended the summer art camp sponsored by the Key West Art & Historical Society, explored photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture and multi-media works. During the camp's eight, week-long sessions this year, students focused on the work of Keys' folk artists Mario Sanchez and the late Stanley Papio and also studied the work of other masters, such as Paul Klee, whose often whimsical paintings the students found intriguing. "Many of the kids were able to draw on talent they didn't realize they had and express themselves in very original ways," explained Suzanne Pereira, the Society's education coordinator. "They worked with a wide variety of media, materials and tools. This year we were able to offer photography classes as well as hands-on experience in developing film in the Education Department's new darkroom facilities. "We were fortunate to have guest teachers who worked closely with the students, who in turn came up with some fantastic creations," Pereira said. "I think the high quality of this year's work reflects a genuine involvement, not only from the school children but from their parents as well," said Claudia Pennington, executive director of the Society. "The students not only learned to use their hands, but they developed ways to look at and appreciate the art of others. I think visitors will be amazed at what they see." The Society's summer art program for Keys' young people dates back more than 40 years and engenders a great deal of enthusiasm from the young participants and their parents. "The end-of-camp party always is a popular event and a great chance for all the kids to show off what they've accomplished," said Pereira. Hot dogs, pop and other goodies were available and music for the afternoon was provided by Key West's famous "Steel Your Heart" band from Gerald Adams Elementary School. ArtCamp2004 offered 28 scholarships funded by TIB Bank of the Keys, Zonta Foundation of Key West, Keys Energy Services, Albertson's Community Partnership, Publix Supermarkets, the Cultural Preservation Society and Eckerd Corporation, whose generous donation of cameras helped make the photography classes possible. The art exhibit will be on view throughout September.
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| ArtCamp2004 student works on a lino-block print in the style of Key West Folk Artist Mario Sanchez. |