Youths are invited to discover and improve their creative abilities at the 2016 Mountaineer Summer Drawing Academy on the West Virginia University Evansdale campus in Morgantown from July 24-27.

Organized by the WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Program and the WVU College of Creative Arts, the four-day camp is designed to allow West Virginia youth ages 13 to 17 the unique opportunity to express their creativity in a higher-education setting.

According to Susan Gamble, event organizer and WVU Extension agent, the event is a unique, hands-on opportunity for campers to sharpen their artistic abilities while exploring future college and career opportunities.

“Much like the experience of a freshman art major at WVU, this camp allows participants to immerse themselves in an atmosphere that enables creative growth and helps them decide if art is something they’d like to pursue in the future,” said Susan Gamble.

Participants will work closely with WVU School of Art and Design faculty members in workshops that will enhance their personal understanding of the artistic process. They can also take the opportunity to learn about the college experience from their camp counselors, who are current WVU students.

During the camp, participants will be exposed to sessions and experiences designed to hone their artistic abilities, including basic drawing, portrait drawing, button making, cast metal artworks and more. Campers will also have the chance to attend field trips that allow them to draw inspiration from the natural environment.

WVU School of Art and Design Assistant Professor Dylan Collins said that participants will leave the camp with better observational abilities and an understanding of how artistic skills activate an understanding of space, place, perspective and structure.

“The Drawing Academy is a perfect opportunity for young people to explore a variety of artistic techniques and approaches in a very concentrated period of time,” said Collins. “Our goal with this camp is to create a fun, immersive and supportive environment, allowing students to express their best creative abilities and sense of individuality.”

To apply, bit.ly/MSDAReg, or contact your local Extension Service office.

The cost of the camp is $225, but a $100 scholarship is available for those who meet the pre-registration postmark deadline of July 1.

In addition to the registration form, each applicant needs to submit a letter of recommendation from their art teacher or county WVU Extension agent.

To learn more about WVU Extension Service and how it works to bring 4-H and other youth development camps to young people throughout West Virginia’s 55 counties, visit ext.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

bd/04/25/16

CONTACT: Brittany Dick, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8701, Brittany.Dick@mail.wvu.edu

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