Art League of Bonita Springs: Summer art camps are more than meets the eye

"Vision from a Summer Kitchen" by Anita Baldwin took first place in the 2006 Southwest Florida Competition currently on display at the Center for the Arts. An awards reception was held Friday in the main gallery with more than 200 people in attendance.

Second place went to Daniel Blanco for a triptych titled "Papaya." Third place went to Dena L. Shepherd for "Bell Tower" and fourth place went to Jack P. Carey for "Mahogany's Window." The exhibit will remain on display through June 22. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

Summer dance at the Center for the Arts began Saturday, June 3. Young dancers interested in the summer dance session can still join the fun on Saturday mornings. Classes offered include ballet, jazz, theater dance, and Dalcroze Eurythmics.

The Center for the Arts has been filled with young artists this week as the first session of Summer Art Camps got under way. Campers from 3 ½ to 15 years old have been creating clay monsters, painting medieval castles with knights and dragons, and making their very own books. Smiles and laughter abound in the classrooms where young campers are making new friends, as well as art.

If you have a youngster who enjoys other cultures, you might wish to enroll them in next week's camp "Go Tribal." Do you have a pre-teen who enjoys jewelry? "Funky, Chunky, and Fine" will teach the basics of beaded jewelry, and campers will create their very own necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in a two-day camp, June 15-16.

If big isn't big enough, you might wish to try "Big, Bigger, Biggest" where art projects will be super-sized, June 12-14. Are your children obsessed with video games? "Epic Fun — Games and Game Design" allows campers to explore all kinds of games and will include making art for their very own video game, June 12-14.

The week of June 19-23 offers more opportunities for creativity. "Clay Sensations" explores the wonders of hand-built clay creatures, structures and sculpture for third-through sixth-graders. I

f you have a child whose aspirations include American Idol stardom, sign them up for "Ah! Cappella." This camp for ages 12-15 plus gives campers a chance to find their perfect song, sing it and even make a music video!

Summer Art Camps run weekly through Aug. 4. Camps are available for all age levels, mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, or afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. Supervised lunchtime is also offered.

Scholarship applications can be picked up at the Center for the Arts. The Art League provides scholarships based on financial need to both children and adult students.

For a complete listing of all camps, adult classes, and other events visit on-line at www.artcenterbonita.org, or call the Art League of Bonita Springs at 495-8989.