Camp enhances artistic skills
A fun learning event during summer vacation is the Margaret M. Grow Youth Camp for the Arts at Old School Commons, in Byhalia, provided by the Byhalia Area Arts Council.
Many kids jump for the chance to enhance their artistic skills and with the generous support from the Margaret M. Grow Charitable Foundation many kids’ dreams come true.
“Our camp would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsor, the Margaret M. Grow Foundation,” Susan Bonds, BAAC president, said.
The art camp provides a lively, fun-loving week with talented instructors and volunteers and has for the past 12 years.
“Faye St. John Woods started our camp in 2011 and it has become an annual event the first full week of June. The only exception was in 2020 due to COVID-19,” Bonds said.
“I like the camp. It gives kids the opportunity they may never have,” Tobie Pillstrom, drama director, said. “They have this opportunity to learn more about their visual and performing arts.”
Campers learned many new watercolor and acrylic techniques along with other campers interested in theater and drama.
Melinda Bracknell’s daughter attended the camp along with 60 other excited artists.
“I love it, and it’s affordable,” Bracknell said. “It’s a great way to make new friends. Everyday she is excited. She loves it.”
“Just about any parent can afford $25 and the children have so much fun,” Bonds said. “The kids in the visual camp love the various art classes and the drama. The children work very hard at learning their lines and songs.”
Similar camps charge up to $200 or more per child for this type of camp, she said.
“We believe it is so important for children to be exposed to the arts whether visual or drama and our camp provides that experience for nearly 60 children every year,” Bonds said. “Some of our kids might not have the opportunity to go to camp, if ours weren’t so affordable. Plus we have scholarships available for any family in need. No child will be turned away due to an inability to pay.”
Joy Crain, treasurer of the BAAC, expressed how the foundation has made this an extraordinary art event for children.
“We have more campers than we ever have had,” Crain said. “We appreciate the Foundation for having the camp at a cost that families can afford.”
The art students smiled from ear to ear on the last day because they were able to show off their work to family and friends.
“We have the best volunteers and we couldn’t have camp without them,” Bonds said.
Visual instructors this year were all BAAC Board members.
Anthony Moore, visual art teacher at Willow Elementary Optional School in Memphis, Tenn. Was the watercolor instructor. He taught a new technique with Crayola Crayons to the campers.
“It was more like painting,” young artist Olivia Wenzler said.
Patrick McGee was the acrylic art instructor and Michelle Forsythe was the instructor for mixed media.
Other volunteers and directors were Carolyn Burrow, Pam Turner, Faye Woods, Susan Bonds, Joy Crain, Rita Hobbs, Sarah Sawyer, Savannah St. John, visual arts director and assistant Nikki Aryan; Tobie Pillstrom, drama director; Mary Claire Herring, dance instructor; Ethan Witt, vocal instructor; Val Harper and Eli Hughes, watercolor assistants; Laurel Shanks, mixed media assistant; and Caterra Oliphant acrylic assistant.
At the opening of the play Bonds recognized long-time arts council supporter, Faye Woods.
“Our arts council would not exist if it weren’t for Faye Woods. She founded the Arts Council in 2011, created the 501(c)(3) and single handedly built the council into what it is today,” Bonds said. “Faye saw the need for a children’s art camp so she created the Margaret M. Grow Youth Camp for the Arts. She has applied for and received grants to improve the auditorium at the Old School Commons over the years, and is involved in our current efforts to renovate the Old School Commons into a community/performing arts center.”
Bonds said Woods has done more to promote the arts and provide art education for the children of Byhalia than anyone.
“She is a beloved member of our community and a shining example of the joy one can generate by giving back. Our town is a better place because of Faye Woods,” she said.
Savannah St. John, visual arts director and Faye Woods granddaughter, presented Woods a beautiful boutique of flowers in appreciation for all Woods has done to promote the arts in Byhalia.
Herring, dance instructor for the camp, was recognized for having attended camp since she was eight years old.
“She has been our dance instructor since she aged out of being a camper,” Bonds said.
The last day of camp parents, family and friends were invited to see all the art work, a play and enjoy a reception.
Bonds said Prentis and Catharine Woods prepared sack lunches during the week and coordinated the parents’ reception held the last day.
“At the parents’ reception, the kids are so proud to show their parents all they have made over the week or to perform in the play for everyone,” Bonds said.
BAAC is a non-profit organization and its purpose is to support and enhance cultural arts opportunities for all residents of Byhalia and surrounding areas and Marshall County.