We are so fortunate to have opportunities like this and for people like Laura who pour time into nurturing their (the kids’) gifts.”Amy Smith
CULLMAN – On Friday, 36 young artists, members of local artist Laura Walker’s art camp, presented an art show for family and friends. The group proudly showcased their artwork at The Link of Cullman County.
“This is our student art show and the end of a crazy week,” said Walker. “We have done so many projects, lots and lots – maybe too much, but we did it and nobody got hurt,” she smiled. “Together, the kids painted that Indian mural hanging on the wall over there,” she pointed. “They did great! Every year we do a mural and donate it to a library, a school or some other place that I have thought about. This year’s mural will go to West Point Middle School.”
The camp was held in a larger place this year which allowed a little more elbow room for the many students.
“This is our first time to be at The Link,” said Walker. “I love the facility; it is a great place to rent. Plus, we bought Pure Joy Candy all week. The kids all loved that and the Pure Joy ladies were nice to share their space with us all week.”
The art show was full of excitement Friday. The kids were eager to show off their work and their parents were delighted to see what they had done. Some of the projects consisted of a peace sign, a flag mosaic, water bottle spirals and flowers, a hot air balloon, R2-D2 jars and a wood sign with a flower jar. Each child had his or her favorite piece of artwork.
“Art camp is fun for kids and they can learn a lot,” said 12-year-old Katelyn. “This week we made Yoda from Star Wars and we made these light bulbs; well made them, colored them and made them into hot air balloons. This is the first time I have been to an art camp. I will come back again next year,” she grinned happily.
“I am glad she enjoyed herself and was able to beat the heat,” said Katie Thompson, Katelyn’s mother. “I am proud of her for all her hard work.”
Some of the students were old pros at the art camp; they have been attending it for years.
“We do this art camp every year and my daughter Willa loves it,” said Amy Smith. “We are so fortunate to have opportunities like this and for people like Laura who pour time into nurturing their (the kids’) gifts; she really enjoys it. We are thankful.”
“I had a lot of fun painting the mural,” 9-year-old Willa piped in. “Whoever wanted to work on it was able to, but only three people were able to work on it at a time.”
“She told her grandmother that she had to get here really early so she can be the first to work on the mural without all the other kids interrupting,” Smith laughed, as she straightened Willa’s hair just a little.
The really cool thing about the camp is the kids were able to make arts and crafts that can be entered in the Cullman County Fair in September.
Find out more about Walker at https://www.facebook.com/laurasshop.
