The Bulldog Art Camps are back for a second year and expanding their impact, offering hands-on creative experiences for elementary students while uniting dozens of artists, volunteers, and businesses from across Owensboro.
Organized by Estes, Cravens, and Foust elementary schools, the free camps will be held at First Christian Church, 700 J.R. Miller Boulevard. Each camp features a variety of visual art activities — including watercolor, pencil, clay sculpting, sidewalk chalk, comic book design, and acrylic canvas painting — along with face painting, balloon art, and a silent disco on the final day.
Kindergarten through 2nd-grade students will attend June 9-13 from 8 a.m. to noon. The second session for 3rd through 5th grades runs July 21-25. Each school is limited to 50 students per session, and both breakfast and lunch are provided daily.
“This has turned into an even bigger community-involved event than I ever imagined,” said Will Evans, one of the lead organizers. “We’ve got around 30 guest artists lined up and a tremendous list of sponsors. It’s really a celebration of what Owensboro can do when people come together for a good cause.”
Among this year’s featured guest artists are nationally known muralist Aaron Kizer, sculptor Rex Robinson, painter Zion Riley, and artist Leeza Dukes, along with a range of tattoo artists, fine artists, college students, and local creatives. Each day of camp highlights one or two artistic media, led by guest instructors who guide students through the process and encourage self-expression.
“The talent that comes out of these kids blows your mind,” Evans said. “We want to expose them to as many different styles and forms of art as we can, so they might discover something new they love.”
In addition to art education, the camp serves as a response to broader social challenges.
“This whole thing was inspired by personal tragedy,” Evans said, referencing the deaths of his sister-in-law and cousin to gun violence. “It made me realize I couldn’t just sit by and complain about things getting worse — I needed to be part of the solution. Giving kids something constructive and expressive to do is how I chose to help.”
Support has poured in from across the community. Local restaurants are pitching in by donating meals and snacks, while businesses have stepped up with supplies and sponsorships. Volunteers include the L.J. Douglas family and dozens more who help manage logistics and lend a hand throughout the week.
Evans credited Douglas, the Family Resource Coordinator at Estes, as “the guy who gave me a chance in the first place,” adding that Douglas has played a crucial role in organizing from the school side.
Beyond the classroom, the Bulldog Art Camps aim to reinforce Owensboro’s growing reputation as an “art town.”
“I would love for Owensboro to be known for its art,” Evans said. “With the murals, the art fairs, the museum, and all this local talent, the momentum is there. These kids are part of that future.”
Those interested in registering a student or supporting the camp can contact their respective school or visit First Christian Church during camp hours. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
