Young artists study the masters at camp

Rachel Gross

The work of two Spanish artists gave some local children a

springboard into some fine art of their own.

“Beyond the Primary” was last week’s theme at the Huntington Beach

Art Center’s Art at the Beach summer camp. Children ages 6 to 12

learn art history and emulate the work of some of the masters.

Each week, the camp’s theme changes. Sometimes the theme revolves

around pop culture and art, other times it on myths and legends. Last

week’s theme allowed the campers to investigate ways that artists use

color as a powerful tool in creating works of art.

The class began with teacher Irene Prestinary talking to students

about Pablo Picasso’s work during his “red” and “blue” periods. She

also showed the kids some of Picasso’s artwork and allowed them to

make their own creation of a famous piece of his.

The second half of the class involved the artwork of Joan Miro,

another Spanish artist. The children were given sponges that had been

cut into different shapes and were told they were able to do whatever

they wanted with them.

“This art camp gives kids the art experience they don’t get in

school,” said Lindsey Cornell, the Art Center’s director and camp

coordinator. “It is a fine arts-based camp. We like to stay away from

craft.”

All of the art classes are taught by artists. Also, student

assistants help out in each class. Many of them are former campers.

At the end of the summer, the center puts on a free Children’s Art

Exhibit that features the campers’ artwork from each week. This

year’s show will take place Aug. 26-28.

“Each camper gets to pick one piece of their art that they want in

the show,” Cornell said. “They get to bring friends and family; it is

like a real art exposition.”

The final show allows campers to show off something they are very

proud of and worked hard to make.

“Art touches so many disciplines,” Prestinary said. “I like the

fact that the students get to learn about different artists and

design their own work.”

The art camp runs until Aug. 19, with next week’s camp focusing on

the past and future of creative expression.

For information on the camp or the exhibit, call (714) 374-1650.