Budding teen artists will get the opportunity to blossom at West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Summer Drawing Academy, July 22 – 25, in Morgantown.

Organized by the WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Program and the WVU College of Creative Arts, the four-day camp is designed to allow West Virginia youth ages 13 to 17 the unique opportunity to express their creativity in a higher-education setting.

“This immersive event affords teens a similar experience to that of a freshman art major at WVU, which can be so beneficial in shaping their career and professional ambitions,” said Susan Gamble, event organizer and WVU Extension agent.

Participants will work closely with WVU School of Art and Design faculty members in workshops that will enhance their personal understanding of the artistic process. They can also take the opportunity to learn about the college experience from their camp counselors, who are current WVU students.

During the four-day event, participants will be exposed to many sessions and experiences designed to hone their artistic abilities, including basic drawing, portrait drawing, button making, cast metal artworks and more.

The camp will also feature assemblies featuring guest speakers from the industry and field trips allowing geocaching and artistic exploration of Morgantown’s scenic landscapes.

WVU School of Art and Design Assistant Professor Dylan Collins said that participants will leave the camp with better observational abilities and an understanding of how artistic skills activate an understanding of space, place, perspective and structure.

“This is an exciting opportunity for young artists to further explore their artistic interests, refine their drawing skills and get an exclusive experiential-learning opportunity at one of the region’s top art and design schools,” said Collins.

“Being on the WVU campus allows the campers access to significant resources and subject-matter exploration.”

To apply, visit 4-hyd.ext.wvu.edu/events_forms/mountaineer-summer-drawing-academy, or contact your local WVU Extension Service county agent.
The cost of the camp is $225, but a $100 scholarship is available for those who meet the pre-registration postmark deadline of July 1.

In addition to the registration form, each applicant needs to submit a letter of recommendation from their art teacher or county Extension agent.

To learn more about WVU Extension Service and how it works to bring 4-H and other youth development camps to young people throughout West Virginia’s 55 counties, visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

blu/05/04/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu