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July 17, 2008

Artistic day camp

Kids learn about various disciplines during arts explosion

Derrick Miller

DUNCAN — Creativity has become an energy that is fueling some area children this week.

Those kids are participating in the Chisholm Trail Arts Council’s Arts Explosion through Friday at the Stephens County Fair & Expo Center. During this day-camp program, they are learning about various types of artistic disciplines, including drawing, pottery, kite making, tie-dye, dance and mime.

With six kinds of art featured, the youths chose four they wanted to learn more about. Each day, they spend an hour on each of their selected disciplines.

Dance instructor Kay Lynn Sarkey said, “This is a great opportunity for the kids.”

Like the other teachers, Sarkey is using the program as a way to get the children more interested in art. She said she is also working with them so they learn to understand their body language.

“I always love to work with the kids,” Sarkey said. “I’m trying to impart the gifts of art, getting them to express themselves.”

Sarkey, who has been a member of the Oklahoma Arts Council for 10 years, isn’t alone when it comes to teaching the kids about art or about themselves.

Joe Long, mime instructor, said he wants the students to acquire an appreciation for the art of mime, along with the other disciplines.

“In a short time like this, I want them to be acquainted with mime,” Long said. “Secondarily, I want them to realize that playing simple games teaches you about yourself. I want them to learn more about body language.”

Whether the youths realize they’re learning more than just art, the program provides an enjoyable way to learn.

Tabitha Cox is one of the 70 students taking part in the program this year. Cox said she likes Arts Explosion because she gets to be creative.

“It’s fun to learn about creating stuff,” Cox said. “They help you learn stuff.

“I learned how to draw really well. Now, I’m learning how to juggle.”

Children may enjoy the week-long event, but they’re not the only ones who are having fun with the classes. The instructors are also appreciating the program.

Long, an artist-in-residence during the school year, said Arts Explosion gives him something to do during the summer.

“It’s nice for me in the summer,” he said. “I enjoy doing certain workshops. I perform in libraries quite a bit.”

The program also provides the opportunity for the instructors to get the younger generation interested in their artistic disciplines.

Long said he worked to become a mime in college because he wanted to develop his self-confidence and promote positive body language. He said he wants the kids to be more confident, too.

Sarkey said dance is another type of art that focuses on confidence and body language.

“It’s like mime in a lot of ways,” she said. “You have to control your body. So much of that lends itself to stimulation.

“Dance is so good this day and age.”

She said she wants the students to understand that art should be a positive outlet.

“Art is meant to bring beauty,” Sarkey said.

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