The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art will host its annual “Kentucky 250” Free Summer Art Camp from June 8-12, offering children a chance to explore Kentucky history and culture through a series of hands-on art projects.
Sponsored by RiverValley Behavioral Health, the camp will feature daily themed sessions designed to encourage creativity while teaching young artists about heritage, storytelling, and artistic traditions connected to the Commonwealth.
Rebecca Stoen, education director at the museum, said one of the most rewarding aspects of the camps is watching children grow through the creative process.
“Just like with any creative activity, it is incredibly special and remarkable to see children explore their own creative process,” Stoen said. “Art-making is a great metaphor for life: you have challenges, and you have to learn how to adapt to those obstacles.”
Stoen said the camps encourage children to work through moments of frustration and use mistakes as opportunities for creativity.
“There have been a few kids who believed they’ve messed up their artwork, and we constantly ask them, ‘How can you use this as an opportunity to do something different?’” Stoen said. “I love seeing the kids take those moments of doubt and frustration and turn them into art they can be proud of.”
Classes are open to children ages 6 to 15 and will be offered in two-hour sessions from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. each day.
The week begins Monday, June 8, with “Star & Stripes Remix,” a Pop Art-inspired activity in which campers will create colorful interpretations of the American flag using markers and construction paper.
Tuesday’s “Cartography Creations” session will focus on map-making, allowing participants to design imaginative maps filled with landmarks, symbols, and stories while learning the basics of visual design and cartography.
On Wednesday, June 10, campers will celebrate Kentucky heritage during “Kentucky Colors,” a mixed-media project inspired by “My Old Kentucky Home.” Using pen, marker, and watercolor, students will create artwork depicting what Kentucky means to them.
Thursday’s “Pieces of History” session will introduce children to Kentucky quilting traditions through the creation of paper quilt squares inspired by classic quilt patterns and storytelling.
The camp concludes Friday, June 12, with “Pictorial Expression,” a mixed-media project inspired by Shaker pictorial rugs. Campers will use foam, paint, and beans to create textured artwork exploring symbolism and design.
Museum officials said the camp series is the only local art education program taught by professional artists and educators that is offered free of charge and open to any child in the community.
Reservations are required and may be made by calling 270-685-3181 or emailing [email protected].
The museum, which bills itself as Western Kentucky’s largest fine art museum, is free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More information is available at the museum’s website.
