Youlou Arts Foundation sponsors Growing Young Artists Programme

One hundred and fifty-three students from four different zones across the country have acquired artistic skills free of cost, under a visual arts programme sponsored by the Youlou Arts Foundation.{{more}}

The programme dubbed “Growing Young SVG Artists”, started on July 19 and concluded on Friday, August 6. It was held in the districts of Georgetown, Barrouallie, Kingstown and Spring Village.

This is the 10th year that the programme has been held.

Camille Saunders-Musser, co-ordinator of the programme, told SEARCHLIGHT the response this year was good.

She, however, expressed the hope of one day having an art centre instead of having to utilize the schools.

“There are limitations with the classrooms, because they have no running water. This is a real challenge,” said Saunders-Musser.

The Kingstown programme was held at the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.

An artist for 14 years, Saunders-Musser expressed thanks to the business community for their support, noting that without their contribution the programme could not have been staged.

“Businesses in and around Kingstown, some of them have been very faithful. I hope they would continue,” said Saunders-Musser.

Victor Byron, a certified teacher, has been involved with the programme for the past four years.

He explained that the students were trained in four main areas: portrait, landscape, still life, and poetry writing.

“The students are enthusiastic about the whole idea of creative arts. Initially, they were fearful that they couldn’t draw, but when we explained to them that they can feel free to draw from their perspective it became fun,” said Byron.

He said the students’ confidence grew as time went by and they explored interesting areas such as sand and banana art.

The art teacher appealed to parents to encourage their children to get involved in art because it gives them an opportunity to express themselves, as well as make a living from it.

Art teacher, Kern Henry, who has been with the programme for the past three years, challenged parents to encourage their children to be dedicated to their art work and put in the same amount of effort that they would make towards their academics.

Wendy Walter was the visiting artist for the programme this year.

Prior to the commencement of the art programme, a one week art education training workshop was held with 30 teachers.This programme was held from July 12-July 16. (HN)