On June 11-15 the first session of Art Camp hosted by the City of Selma Ceramic Art Program was held at Charlie “Tin Man” Lucas’ Studio on 9 Lauderdale Street. The program attracted many children and invoked their creativity.

Around 50 children participated and met with five instructors, each of which had their signature form of art ready to be taught.

“Each instructor taught a different form of art, and that’s what’s so amazing,” Lucas said. “The kids have to go through all of us, it’s not just one person.”

The children participated in activities such as painting, origami, knitting and much more. They were also taught to set up tables and clean up after themselves.

“Once we got everyone situated with the classes, everything started rolling off,” Lucas said. “It was a beautiful sight to see these young minds coming into a new environment, adjusting really good to it and understanding that the instructors were here to help them do everything.”

This was the first time the art camp was located in a different area. Its previous location at the Dallas Academy Building had been burned and is awaiting reconstruction.

According to Lucas, all of the instructors enjoyed teaching the children and were pleased with their obedience and willingness to learn and have fun.

“All of the instructors really didn’t have any problems out of the kids because they were really kind to the kids,” Lucas said. “That’s what Art Camp is about; we’re not trying to turn them into little robots, we want them to have fun and enjoy what we can teach them.”

According to Lucas, the children enjoyed every activity they participated in.

“They didn’t run out of things to do in the classroom, and in Art Camp, they learn something new everyday,” Lucas said. “We’re teaching them something that they can take home with them, or even when they’re alone by themselves they can still use it.”

While at home, 13-year-old, Nate Brown created a portrait using a wood burner. His work of art captured the hearts of Lucas and many instructors, informing them that their teachings are not falling on deaf ears.

“It touched me deeply that this kid went home and got so much from the class that he created something out of respect, and showed me ‘okay, I’m learning what you’re telling me, and I’m showing you that I can use it,’” said Lucas. “That was beautiful to me.”

The Art Camp’s second session begins on July 9 and lasts until July 13 and is open to children ages 8-12 for a fee of $125.

For more information, call (334)-412-8550.