January 20, 2019
Wayne Art Center turns to nature for inspiration
Summer is the perfect time to disconnect from devices and reconnect with the outdoors. Now in its 35th year, Wayne Art Center’s 2019 Summer Arts Camp offers a wide range of classes to do just that!
This year’s theme, Nature and Art: Connecting with Our World, invites artists ages 3 to 16 to explore the world around them for creative inspiration. Each week, campers investigate new habitats and the art they have inspired to create their own unique pieces that reflect their discoveries.
With nearly 200 classes to choose from, parents can tailor the camp experience for their child.
Grouped by age, campers are presented with a variety of media as they build skills in drawing and painting, ceramics, collage, sculpture, jewelry making, fashion design, photography and more!
Nestled in Wayne along the Radnor Trail and home to seven of its own gardens, Wayne Art Center offers an ideal location for outdoor exploration, while light-filled, air-conditioned classrooms provide safe and comfortable surroundings for campers.
There is no limit to the exciting opportunities students can expect. Campers enrolled in Welcome to the Jungle week might learn about rainforests and study works by Henri Rousseau before sculpting an elephant from clay or painting a trio of tropical birds. During Magnificent Mountains, jewelry students might study precious gems and stones before creating their own wearable art, while younger students explore Paul Cézanne’s work before constructing their own volcanoes.
“Our team of educators establishes the weekly themes, then each teacher applies his or her expertise and vision to develop unique projects that encourage students to experiment, take creative risks and enjoy the art process while engaging their imaginations,” says Nancy Campbell, executive director for Wayne Art Center. “Offering so many classes throughout summer inspires our faculty to dig deep as they work to keep repeat campers engaged and differentiate projects to meet each artist at their individual level.”
Additional options like Creative Drama and Summer Stage allow campers to develop confidence, enhance reading skills and practice public speaking. Culinary classes emphasize hands-on learning through engaging activities such as storytelling and games and educate students about healthy food choices, nutritional facts
and food hygiene.
“In addition to learning how to cook and handle food, students strengthen math skills through measurement, as well as reading and time management skills as they follow and prepare various recipes,” explains Chef Birgit Eichinger. “Cooking is one of the most important life skills a child can develop, and to do it in a fun, relaxed environment is a wonderful gift parents can provide their children.”
On Friday each week, campers are encouraged to invite friends and family to an exhibition at Wayne Art Center, where the artists share their work from the week and celebrate their accomplishments.
For more information about Wayne Art Center’s 2019 Summer Art Camp, visit www.wayneart.org or call Tessa Downs, children’s programming director, at 610-688-3553 ext. 208.
