Charlo Art Camp fuses creativity, science
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
CHARLO — For ten years Charlo has provided a little structure and summer fun for local students in the form of an art camp.
And this year’s camp was more popular than ever with 79 kids participating in the creative event.
“I had kids in school and it was just a fun idea for a summer camp,” Judy Shafter explained.
Shafter and a few members of the Parent Teacher Association put together the first art camp in 2000. They thought it would be beneficial to offer an activity other than the summer sport camps.
Since 2000, it has evolved and grown and this year the camp was funded by the Ninepipes Art Group, in coordination with a 21st Century Grant and the Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation. Art teachers from Missoula to Polson conducted classes that centered around the year’s theme, while volunteers, parents and grandparents assist in each class’ attempt at artistic grandeur.
“We really depend on the parents and grandparents to help us out in the classroom,” Shafter said.
Every art teacher had from 15- to 30-years of experience teaching art, and Shafter reaffirmed that art for these teachers is not a hobby, but a profession.
Students were required to pay a $20 tuition fee, which according to Shafter barely covered their t-shirts and basic expenses. She explained that with the help of aforementioned organizations, local children are able to enjoy the benefits of an art camp close to home without having to pay an arm and a leg.
“It’s friendly, fun and creative,” Shafter said. “It’s very inexpensive. If you go to Missoula, you are going to have to pay a lot more.”
Science was this year’s theme. And Charlo’s art camp demonstrated that the two opposing subjects could combine to form an unusually artistic yet scientific project or two.
In keeping with the science theme, children made kaleidoscopes, paper-mache rocks, and tried their hand at sketching trout and stuffed birds.
Some students made origami figures, mobiles and created dolls from a wooden stands and dowels.
After lunch kids were treated to some very vibrant entertainment.
From a hula hoop routine to a jump rope troupe, the event pulled from some of western Montana’s most energetic and enthusiastic performers.
On Thursday, Shafter was able to share some of her specialty with the children so eager to learn.
Shafter, a geologist by trade, conducted “The World Premiere of the Rock Cycle and Geologic Circus.” With the littlest children voicing sound effects, the older children demonstrated glaciation, faults and an erupting volcano.
The artistic performance, which was narrated by Shafter, took the place of the yearly talent show. Instead of the few brave souls exposing their gift in the talent show, this performing art event gave all children the opportunity to participate.
The new lobby of the school displayed the children’s finished products, as parents and community members gathered in support.
Shafter said that she would like to thank the school for the use of their space and the community for their continual support, inferring that she was surprised to see so many community members at Thursday’s performance.
“It’s a nice creative activity,” Shafter said. “It gives (the children) a little more freedom … than their art curriculum in the school year.”
