Art Camp Chihuly Sculpture by Boys and Girls Club of Richland County

Thanks to the mutli-media teachings of Education Coordinator Jessica Newman of the MonDak Heritage Center, Boys & Girls Club art camp members enjoyed a fantastical two weeks of artistic creation and development. The BGCRC camp was held July 13-24 this summer and featured projects that incorporated several known artists. The Club kids learned how to create credit card paintings, sunflower pottery, a water bottle chandelier and learned about art history.

Club kid art was displayed in several businesses throughout our community. "The art walk has a high impact on the kids because it allows each individual youth artist to see their work displayed in the community, in public, while adults and children of all ages react to it. It fosters a sense of pride in themselves and their abilities," Jessica Newman said. One of the highlights of this camp was the creation of a piece (shown) that mimics a Dale Chihuly chandelier. Newman stated, "Dale Chihuly is a famous blown-glass artist. His work has been displayed around the world but there is a gallery dedicated to his work under the space needle in Seattle Washington." This sculpture was created using painted water bottles, cut and strung together. The older kids cut the bottles while the younger ones put it together. "When this sculpture was completed all the kids said It's SO BIG!" said Newman laughing. "They were so excited to see what they had created," said Janelle Buxbaum, Operations Program Manager at Boys & Girls Club. Buxbaum organized the collaboration between Club and MonDak Heritage Center for the art camp this summer.

BGCRC plans on holding their art camp again next summer and to continue the relationship with MonDak Heritage Center and Education Coordinator, Jessica Newman.

If you have questions about Boys & Girls Club of Richland County activities or to donate, visit http://www.richlandbgc.org or call 406-433-6763. To learn more about MonDak Heritage Center events visit http://mondakheritagecenter.org or call 406-433-3500.