- February 7, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Adeline Bethea watches as Leah Holland instructs a painting technique. Photo by Paige Wilson
Anna Marie DeVriese works on her canvas. Photo by Paige Wilson
Adeline Bethea paints on her canvas. Photo by Paige Wilson
Anna Marie DeVriese holds up her finished painting. Photo by Paige Wilson
Adeline Bethea is an aspiring artist. The 10-year-old Ormond Beach resident is in two art clubs at school, but now she can also express her creativity after school in the Ormond Memorial Art Museum's newest art club for kids.
While sculpting is Bethea's favorite technique, she enjoys painting in the museum's club, which kicked off on Monday, Oct. 2.
"I made this big cup for my dad for Father's Day, and he always drinks out of it," she said.
Bethea said art runs in her family since her grandmother and great grandmother are artists.
Local artist Leah Holland teaches the museum's art club for kids, which can seat six students each session. She said she has a passion for being around children.
"I feel like I'm making a difference in their lives — teaching them drawing and painting," Holland said. "I learn from the children just like they learn from me. I just enjoy it. My mother loved children. She loved teaching children. So, I guess I got that from her."
Kristin Heron, curator of education and outreach, said the art club was a collaborative brainstorm between Holland and the museum.
"We were looking to add to our curriculum because we have a lot of adult classes, but for kids, we mostly have summer camp. That's really fun and popular, so we thought we'd try something during the school year."
The museum started a homeschool art program last year, as well. Heron said this new club gives public school children a chance to visit the museum and gardens and learn about art.
"It's just something fun and different after school to come and unwind in a creative way," Heron said.
