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Dozens of local young fine art enthusiasts swarmed the Bluefield College campus, July 14-18, for a summer Fine Arts Camp featuring instruction in art, music, storytelling, and drama.

July 28, 2008

Dozens of local young fine art enthusiasts swarmed the Bluefield College campus, July 14-18, for a summer Fine Arts Camp featuring instruction in art, music, storytelling, and drama.    

For more than 14 years, as part of its mission to be in service to the community, Bluefield College has offered opportunities for local residents, both young and old, to explore the arts through its Fine Arts Community School. The purpose of the community outreach program, according to BC officials, is to offer additional avenues for children and adults in the area to appreciate and to learn more about the fine arts through the guidance of mentors who have appropriate training and experience.  

The weeklong summer Fine Arts Camp did just that. Titled "Remembering the Greats," the 2008 version of the Fine Arts Camp featured the study and enjoyment of the works of great composers, artists, authors and playwrights.    

"This is my first time at camp, and I like everything," said FACS camper Addie Nolley. "I have learned about great storytellers and musicians. I like this, because I like to listen to stories and I like to eat."    

Pre-school-age children, from age four to rising first-graders, remembered the greats in music and art as they rotated through two half-day sessions of instruction from 9 a.m. to noon.    

"I liked art, because I got to express myself," said FACS camper Madison Paine, "and nobody said anything bad."    

Older children, from rising second grade through ninth grade, rotated each day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., through classes in music, theatre, art, and storytelling.    

"I liked drama," said camper Abby Bullins, "because we got to play games and act out. I played a worm."    

During Bluefield College's fall and spring semesters, its Fine Arts Community School (FACS) offers multi-week classes in a variety of arts. While the weeklong summer camp is new to the fine arts options available through FACS, according to the kids participating this year, it's a worthy addition.    

"I liked the music," said FACS camper Katherine Asbury, "especially when we sang 'The Artist Teaches Us All.'"    

For more information about future camps or courses through Bluefield College's Fine Arts Community School, call the BC Office of Public Relations at 276-326-4212 or visit the BC web site at www.bluefield.edu/facs.    

"My daughters have been attending the Fine Arts Camp for several years, and each year seems to get better and better," said parent Beth Johnson. "I truly believe the Fine Arts Camp is one of the very best activities for children in the two Virginias."

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