Camp Connect 2018
The Coleman Center for the Arts was proud to offer our annual summer arts camp. We asked 30 students in 1st-8th grade to hear and be heard, to communicate, and collaborate as part of this year’s ‘connect’ theme. Local and regional instructors taught printmaking, graphic design, poetry, songwriting and composition, choreography and dance, gardening, and local foodways. The week wrapped up with a public celebration that included a performance, exhibition, and student-made meal!
New Orleans artist Monica Tyran and Birmingham native Creighton Tynes taught visual arts. Tyran introduced campers to printmaking; they used everyday materials including styrofoam, cardboard, and aluminum foil. Students utilized these paper prints to create custom notebooks with a simple stapled pamphlet binding. Creighton Tynes taught typography, design, and lettering; campers worked together on large scale, hand-painted banners and smaller individual works.
Campers and veteran dance instructor Terry Hayes developed choreography set to two summer hits – “Freaky Friday” by Lil Dicky and “Nice for What” by Drake. Campers and local vocalist Kanita Sturdivant collaboratively wrote lyrics they set and performed to music. The resulting tracks include (youngest to oldest group): “Together” by the Stars, “Hurt People” by Team Cool, and “Be Careful” by the Thunder Cats.
Students and poet John Paul Taylor composed individual and collaborative poetry pieces in response to the theme. Additionally Taylor, also a slam poetry coach, instructed each group on stage presence and rhythm.
Longtime Garden Manager Catherine Shelton lead attendees in culinary and agricultural arts. Lessons moved between the garden, kitchen, and classroom throughout the week. Campers learned about food preparation, nutrition, and culinary creativity. Together they cooked up a home-grown garden pasta that was served at camp celebration.
All three age groups wowed the crowd during Saturday’s celebration with original poems, songs, and dance routines. After the performances, family, friends, and community explored the campers’ artwork on exhibition while enjoying veggie spaghetti and cold lemonade.
Thanks to all the young people, parents, instructors, counselors, and Coleman Center staff that made the week possible. Additional thanks to the following community members and local business for their generous contributions: Jerome Watkins and family, Prystup Packaging, Livingston Marketplace, and Southwest Paper. Special thanks to the Black Belt Community Foundation, Alabama State Council on the Arts, The Nathan Cummings Foundation, Community Foundation of West Alabama, and the Alabama Arts License Tag for their support of Coleman Center for the Arts.