Las Vegas, N.M. – Middle and high school students will have the chance to take drawing classes and learn about artistic masters such as Rembrandt at a free summer art camp at Highlands University, thanks to a grant from the First Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas.
The Highlands University Foundation presents the art camp July 23 – 27 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the gallery in the university’s Kennedy Alumni Hall at 905 University Ave. Drawing supplies and snacks will be provided.
At the end of the camp, the students’ artwork will be showcased in Kennedy Alumni Hall, with an artists’ reception July 28 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Renee Buchanan, the Highlands Foundation art curator and archivist, will teach the art camp.
“We have a unique and extensive art collection at Highlands and it’s exciting to share this resource with the community, including our youth,” Buchanan said. “We’ll be using the collection as a teaching tool during the art camp.”
Buchanan said the university owns approximately 2,500 fine art prints, primarily from the 19th through the 20th century. It also contains some earlier prints from the 16th century.
“The students will look through selected prints each afternoon and choose ones that they are interested in drawing from. I’ll be giving basic drawing instructions to get the students started each day,” Buchanan said.
Buchanan said she wants students to explore and use their creative freedom.
Space for the art camp is limited to 25 and those who preregister will be given priority. To register, email Buchanan at rbuchanan@nmhu.edu or call her at 505-426-2132.
Previously, Buchanan taught art programs for youth at the Las Vegas Arts Council and a summer multimedia art camp for youth in Michigan.
“We are grateful for the Mustard Seed grant from the First Presbyterian Church that is making this art camp possible,” Buchanan said.