By Camp Director Seth Luchemos
The recent Art Camp at MCE, themed “Discovering Our Colors,” was a vibrant and impactful week filled with creativity, skill-building, and community. Students explored various art forms, from music and visual arts to dance and fashion, fostering self-expression and teamwork.
We were thrilled to have students from Norway participating as volunteers as part of their six-month exchange program in Kenya, adding an invaluable cross-cultural perspective to our camp.
Class Highlights:
Music Class: Students in the music class explored keyboard and ukulele fundamentals, learned the art of songwriting, and had the exciting opportunity to record a song they collaboratively wrote. This experience helped students develop musical techniques while expressing their stories and emotions through music.
Visual Arts Class: In visual arts, students engaged in drawing, created their own canvases, and experimented with painting. They also dove into collage-making, exploring different textures and layers. These activities allowed students to bring their personal creativity to life, developing a tangible piece that expressed their unique “color” and artistic vision.
Dance Class: Students learned new dance moves while emphasizing teamwork and unity, practicing how to perform together in harmony. The class cultivated a supportive environment where students encouraged each other and improved their coordination and confidence in performing as a group.
Fashion Class: Fashion students were introduced to essential skills like fabric cutting and design. By the end of the week, they had sewn their own designs, an accomplishment that showcased both their creativity and newfound technical skills. This process provided them with practical skills and fostered a sense of pride and self-expression.
Photography and Video Class: In the photography and video class, students focused on honing their skills in capturing and editing memorable moments throughout the camp. They learned techniques in photography composition and videography storytelling, developing a keen eye for detail and creativity behind the lens. By the end of the week, the students collaborated to act in and shoot a short movie, bringing their storytelling and technical abilities together to create a compelling narrative. This hands-on experience provided them with a deeper understanding of the creative and technical aspects of visual storytelling, resulting in a fantastic showcase of their growth.
Daily Devotionals: Each day of the camp began with devotionals, grounding students in reflection and a sense of purpose. The devotionals focused on themes like self-discovery, patience, gratitude, and community, aligning beautifully with the week’s theme of “Discovering Our Colors.” These sessions reinforced the values of growth, creativity, and appreciation for each other’s unique contributions.
Final Day Showcase: The camp culminated in a final-day showcase where each class demonstrated the work and progress they had achieved throughout the week. Family and friends joined in the celebration, witnessing the students’ incredible efforts in music, visual arts, dance, and fashion. This moment of shared pride and joy brought the MCE family together, fostering a deep sense of accomplishment and community.
Gratitude and Future Aspirations:
MCE extends heartfelt gratitude to Inverted Arts and Recreation Factory for their partnership and support, which has made the Art Camp possible for the third time this year. Their collaboration continues to inspire young artists and bring immense joy and learning to the students. The MCE community expressed a hope that Inverted Arts might one day join us in person for an Art Camp, further strengthening our connection and shared mission.
Thank you, Inverted Arts, for your continued dedication and investment in young artists growth and creativity. This week has been a true celebration of discovering, sharing, and expressing our unique colors.
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