The arts impact young lives in many different ways—through increased academic performance, ability to think critically, and overall health/well-being. And, let’s face it, art is just plain fun! Art Room is pleased to provide an inspirational space for our Fort Worth community of young artists over the summer so that they may continue to stretch their creativity and imagination in a nurturing environment that champions art-making.

The summer camps are led by exceptionally experienced local artists and educators who have planned dynamic and fun projects for the participating youth. Kicking off the summer camp season is printmaker and educator Courtney Googe. She is a multidisciplinary artist currently working in Dallas, TX. She teaches Art Appreciation at North Lake College and Printmaking at Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Travel and exploration are important components of Googe’s creative practice. Recently, she and her two daughters began a project that incorporates drawing and printmaking as a way to catalog some of their favorite treats offered at locally owned businesses.

 Googe supports art education and its importance for the youth artists in our Fort Worth community. She says, “It allows the student (and teacher) to explore in new ways. It encourages new perspectives and an openness of mind and imagination that can be applied to ALL aspects of life.  Art allows us to understand and explain abstract notions of time and nature, of emotion and existence, and of relationships and purpose.” Googe is teaching an all-day Printmaking and Posters summer camp for 12 to 18-year-olds offered June 10 through 14, 2019.

 Another one of Art Room’s creative summer camp instructors is Mandy Metts. She is in her 13th year as an elementary art teacher and couldn’t imagine anything more fun! She graduated from the University of North Texas with a BFA in Fiber Arts. In addition to drawing and painting, she also studied photography and metalsmithing. 

 In regard to the arts, Metts states, “Art gives children the opportunity to explore and try new things in a safe and fun environment. If they have an experienced teacher to guide and direct them during this process, they can improve their skills and build confidence at the same time. These will carry over into other subjects and areas of their lives. For example, when children are working on a project in an art class and something doesn’t go the way they planned, they are presented with the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills in an environment where they can’t really make mistakes. It’s the perfect atmosphere for exploration!”

 Mandy Metts is thrilled to offer two camps this summer at Art Room. Metts will instruct Alternative Sculpture for seven to 12-year-olds July 22 through 26, 2019 in the morning. Fiber art is making a come-back and Metts is providing a unique educational and artistic experience at Art Room in her Fibers Camp for 12 to 18-year-olds offered July 22 through 26, 2019 in the afternoon. 

In line with Art Room’s vision to transform their visual arts community by making room for art, the summer camps provide an inspiring space for a community of young artists to create, explore, and imagine. Metts states, “A creative mind helps students as they enter high school and college, where they will be faced with situations that require abstract and unique thought. There is nothing better for children then creative opportunities with art education.”

It is a fact; the arts are a significant part of youth education. Students who have at least one art class are more likely to attend school and exhibit increased academic performance. Through arts education, students develop self-confidence, critical thinking skills, and a personal voice. That is why Art Room is so excited about our great line-up of fun-filled and innovative summer camps.

Art Room summer camps include several visual arts processes such as printmaking, collage, design, watercolor, painting, drawing, sculpture, and fibers. Local DFW artists and educators teach the sessions, including Courtney Googe, Mandy Metts, Katie Murray, Angela Lendzioszek, Hannah Ricks, and Adam Palmer.

Check out their website for registration and up-to-date information: www.artroomfw.org.