The Warren County Historical Society has announced “Eyes To The Past – Mind To The Future,” a History-Based Student Art Camp set for Monday through Friday, June 26th through 30th from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
Attendees will build a portfolio of two and three-dimensional art work, as they’re immersed in historical images, objects and practices, and then choose their strongest piece to be displayed at the 2023 Warren County Historical Society Art Show, to be held at the Adirondack Community College.
This course is designed and led by artist and teacher, Maryanne Rappaport. The Warren County Historical Society’s Executive Director, Don Rittner, along with WCHS officers and staff, will be available for each “Morning Meeting” to help get campers inspired about history.
The society’s volunteers will assist with camper needs and supervision. Light snacks, water and lemonade will be provided, so campers only need to bring their bagged lunch. All ages and ability levels are encouraged to attend. Campers under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult (17+).
The camp schedule includes:
Day 1: Introductions: WCHS Staff and Volunteers will lead brief introductions, and give a short tour of the facility. The Morning Session “Lay of the Land” will ease into the camp experience with a short hike led by WCHS Volunteers. Attendees will learn about graphite (the mineral), Graphite (the “abandoned” Warren County village), and the history of the Ticonderoga pencil; check out the interesting botanical illustrations, dating from the 18th century, and then create a 2 or 3-dimensional interpretation of all that they learned. The Afternoon Session, “Outdoor Kitchens” will focus on 17th century outdoor kitchens by participating in a cooking demo.
Day 2: Morning Session, “Transporting ” – Attendees will let the history of transportation guide their creativity as they create an innovative 2 or 3-D vehicle design, from “Big Boom” designs, to “Steampunk” integrations, and everything in-between. Afternoon Session: “Trendy Texting” -Attendees will try their hand at stamping words, manually typing them, digitally printing them, and even using modern technology to sew them.
Day 3: Morning Session: “19th Century Life” – Participate in 19th century crafting. Campers will make soap, a block textile and a quilted square as they rotate through the volunteer-led “centers.” Afternoon Session: “Seneca Rae Stoddard” – Attendees will be surrounded by images of Warren County as seen through the eyes and lens of Seneca Ray Stoddard. Campers will experiment with viewfinders and digital cameras, creating portraits and a study of the adjacent WCHS building.
Day 4: Morning Session: “Visiting Artists” – Can you recognize the views from Georgia O’Keefe’s Lake George landscapes? Why did the Hudson River School artists “delete” the factories from their landscapes? Can a sculptor make a landscape? These are some questions to consider as history inspires you to create a Warren County landscape in 2 or 3 dimensions. Campers with photocopies of their own WC photos will be taught an easy method for transferring and enlarging images – one that has been used by artists for centuries. Afternoon Session: “Plinths and Frames” – 1-on-1 support will be given as attendees choose their favorite art piece from the week’s work portfolio.
Day 5: Morning session: Finish Art Show piece and Title Card. Attendees will sign each other’s portfolios before taking them home, or trade art work with others. Afternoon Session: This session will share some history about Storytown USA, and have some fun with yard games. Attendees will create their favorite carnival food out of air-dry clay, and bring the paint kit home with them, to paint at a later time.
Space is limited to 10 campers. Registration is required by Saturday, June 10th. Cost is $150 per student. The Warren County Historical Society is located at 50 Gurney Lane, in Queensbury, NY. For more information or to register, visit their website or call (518) 743-0734.
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