- February 8, 2025
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After seven weeks of art camp, Port Orange students will finally have a chance to showcase their talent.
The ArtHaus exhibit will feature artwork from the children who attended one or more of the seven sessions, which were part of this year's Magical Land of Art Summer Camp.
The students have been getting art lessons, as well as a little bit of art history during the ArtHaus Summer Camp, which is for children ages four to 14 years old. Each year the camp has a different theme and each week the theme changes as well. This year is The Magical Land of Art, with sessions such as, 'Go Native.'
During the Go Native sessions, Art Teacher Marla Basli had children learning about, and making, Milagros—folk charms usually used for religious purposes. Basli said for her it's about the origin of different cultures and that the Milagros have been important for people throughout the world for a long time. She added that the students are using information they've learned to depict their creations in a way they want.
According to ArtHaus Executive Director Laurie Gomon Ring, the summer camps, which began in the last 90's, bring in 100 to 165 students each year. The first camps were held in the art department at Spruce Creek High School where Gomon Ring taught and where the concept of ArtHaus was also born and developed.
Gomon Ring said are helps children to observe, analyze and recreate their impressions of what they like or are fascinated with. She added it art is a non-verbal way to express feelings while also using and developing many of the higher level thinking processes.
"The reason why showcasing their artwork is so important is that it lets the young artist know that their hard work is appreciated and valuable," Gomon Ring said. "There are less opportunities for the young artists to see their work displayed and appreciated. Since making art is a very solitary experience for the most part, it is a big deal to have the finished product displayed to the public. It can be a big game changer for a youngster."
