All smiles at summer art camp

Historic City News has learned that the enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa has inspired students in the St. Augustine Art Association Summer Art Camp during the first week-long session–Hello Mona Lisa!

Under the direction of Janine Regina, with assistance from community service volunteer Regan Williams, children in first through sixth grades learned about portraiture, color theory, values, patterns, grid measurements, collage, watercolor and more.

“It was delightful to see so many unique selfie portraits emerge when the students were given Da Vinci’s masterpiece as a reference,” Regina told local reporters.

According to Regina, a certified art teacher, the students were introduced to art history, drawing techniques and vocabulary while they experimented with different art-making materials and techniques.

“The St. Augustine Art Association has instilled a love of art in hundreds of children over the years through our Summer Art Camp program and After-School Art Studio,” said Elyse Brady, Administrator for the Art Association. “They’ve returned year after year and have won awards in our Middle School and High School Art Shows.”

Registration is underway for the upcoming morning camp sessions: Feelin’ Groovy, Jun 23-27; Through the Museum Looking Glass, July 7-11; and The 3D Experiment for ages 12 and up that meets July 7-11, from 1 to 4 p.m.

The camps take place in the Art Center at 22 Marine Street where the students are surrounded by original art. The works produced by the students in Summer Art Camps will be featured in an exhibit on July 13, 2 to 4 p.m.

To learn more or to register, visit www.staaa.org or call (904) 824-2310.