In early August San Ignacio artist Gianni Martinez of Artsy (Dream in Color) collaborated with the San Ignacio Santa Elena House of Culture (SISEHOC) to bring uplifting art programming to local youth for summer camp. It was a huge honor to volunteer with the youth art camp for 2 days to experience their mural drawing tour and painting class. It was a spirited group of youth enjoying the experience of creating art from grade school to college aged participants.
In the earlier part of the week, the group had created full color leaf rubbings and drawing and a collective miniature art and culture mural bringing all the imagery they associated with these themes. They created an exhibit titled "Know Ourselves" which incorporated varying media and themes connected to their personal experiences and interests. The exhibit's is named, incidentally, for an art publication of the same name published this year by the Image Factri - featuring all women artists in Belize.
On the day we arrived a dozen students meandered through the streets of downtown San Ignacio to view and draw murals while learning about the artists who created the murals, as well as their cultural significance. When we arrived at the first mural with a floral motif on West street, we handed out sketch pads and pencils to the class. Light, color, composition and design were discussed while art theory was centered in an accessible way considering the group before they approach the tour. The youth were engrossed in their drawing even though the temperature was easily in the sweltering mid-90's. Beaming- they were excited to share their drawings at the end of the tour and had lively discussion on the way back to the House of Culture.
On the final day of art camp the camp participants strutted in an impromptu fashion show modeling their painting aprons before painting class - caught on video! They then created still life paintings of roses in a yellow vase. Each youth was equipped with an easel, canvas, palette and water for rinsing their brushes. They learned the different brushes used to apply different techniques including stippling and how to create contrast and light effects with lighter colors and white paint. After they painted the vase using blending techniques to create light and shadow. The art teacher, Gianni, floated about the space with loving expertise giving the youth positive critiques and encouragement: helping them along in feeling more confident with their individual painting and experience.
***For those interested in learning more about Artsy art classes for all ages visit this link.
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