At this year’s Summer Art Camp nearly 100 students between the ages of 6 and 12 are being inspired by the current temporary exhibition (Women) Artists from the Collection, 1800-2022. In the past few years, the program has grown so much in popularity that the museum is now hosting five sessions this summer.
Instructor, Belinda Burgiss-Hall (Miss Bee) spent years teaching children about art in New Zealand and has a degree in Art Therapy. Together with Alex Asher, Director of Education, she decided that this year’s Summer Art Camp theme should be Collection Connections based on this special exhibition.
Part of the museum’s mission is to provide education through unique experiences. The children are learning by viewing original art and hearing stories they can relate to. Studying objects directly creates lasting interests and connections, and they often take their families on tour after class to share what they have learned.
The kids have explored sculpture using wire and faux flowers spraypainted bronze to create their own animal sculptures influenced by Deborah Butterfield. Kansas City artist Carol Zastoupil’s pastel toned painting of an imaginary landscape inspired the kids to paint their own one-point perspective landscapes. Students also learned about monotype printing techniques used by Louise Nevelson. Every day has revealed a surprise project, and we don’t want to give away August’s camp inspiration just yet.
The museum is more active than ever with art education programs geared toward children and adults alike. Overall students served from 2019 to 2022 have doubled, and the number of students under 18 years of age this year has already surpassed 2022 numbers.
You can be inspired by this exhibition too. 94 different works represent the wide variety of media, inspirations, and stories explored by over two centuries of artists. (Women) Artists from the Collection is on view now through September 17, at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph. Learn more about upcoming classes and exhibitions at www.albrecht-kemper.org.
Financial assistance provided by the St. Joseph, Missouri Visitors Bureau.
