The Painted Palm in Keysville recently held a weeklong art camp to facilitate art education for children during the summer.

According to Owner of The Painted Palm Katy Clarke, the theme for the art camp was “Into the Woods,” which included a variety of projects surrounding trees, woodland animals and recycling. She said some of the projects created by the students during the course of the week were clay bowls/creatures, plaster masks of animals/ superheroes, a recycled art chandelier, papier mache animals and an outdoor tic tac toe game created from items found in nature.

“After teaching summer art camps for many years, I have created a great system to allow for more creative freedom and flexibility, and varying degrees of focus. I have six stations set up each day for students to choose from. Some young artists make it to all of the stations, while some spend more time on one or two projects,” said Clarke.

However, she said the students also received an allotted time for free paint to help maximize their creativity.

“The first week of summer art camp at The Painted Palm studio was a huge success and a good time was had by all,” said Clarke.

The Painted Palm has been open for about one year and the idea was born after Clarke said she had been doing paint parties in the homes of people for about two years.

“About three months ago, ironically, as we were painting a sunset scene with palm trees, I made the decision that I needed to look for a studio space,” she said last June.

At that time, Clarke said the studio would feature general paint nights, private events and birthday parties.

Additionally, she said then Wednesday would be reserved for SVCC (Southside Virginia Community College) students.

“I have a master’s degree in art education and five years of experience with SVCC,” Clarke said previously.

She has also worked as an elementary art teacher for Charlotte County Public Schools for the last 13 years.

Clarke has slated a second week of art camp to be held the week of July 16-20 at The Painted Palm location.

The Painted Palm is located at 117 King St., Keysville. For more information on registration or class schedules, visit the Painted Palm on Facebook or call (434) 547-8391.