Friday, May 27, 2011

Experience the environment through the eyes of an artist! The University of North Carolina Wilmington will host ArtSea, a week-long summer camp for ages 12-16 that combines art and the oceans in an effort to inspire appreciation for marine environments. Two sessions will be offered, one June 27-July 1 and one July 18-22.

ArtSea, a variation of the popular MarineQuest summer camps, will use the marine environment as artistic inspiration while also teaching students about conservation and stewardship. Students will learn about different artistic interpretations of marine plants, animals and habitats and then work in the studio to create their own masterpieces.

Campers will embark on several field excursions on foot and by kayak, including trips to the beach, marsh, maritime forest and barrier islands. Depending upon the session selected activities will include microscopic study and scientific illustration of phytoplankton, field observation and sketching of marine wildlife, watercolor painting of coastal landscapes, surf art, collecting shells, beach glass and fossils for jewelry, graphic block printing, sand casting, wood carving, metal sculpting and glass work.

Guest artists will instruct students in different artistic mediums and share how their artwork has caused them to personally value the marine environment.

"The guest artists have been inspired by the marine environment and want to help inspire young people," said Sue Kezios, director of youth programs at UNCW. "They ultimately want the young people to grow up being more environmentally conscious."

Local artist and UNCW alumnus James Fulcher will be featured as one of the guest artists this year and will lead a studio session on using recycled surfboards as art. Fulcher uses old surfboards to create crabs, fish, turtles and other marine-themed works of art. His work can be seen throughout the Fisher Student Center at UNCW. Fulcher said he is excited about participating in the camp because he loves teaching and allowing individual creativity to blossom.

"Camps like this elevate everyone associated with it, from the faculty and guests that oversee the activities, to the community that ultimately gains more educated, appreciative and well-rounded citizens," said Fulcher. "ArtSea allows campers to learn about and appreciate our amazing ecosystem and the diverse creatures that inhabit it, while laying the groundwork for future generations to conserve and ultimately enjoy."

Returning artists this year include Virginia Wright Frierson, who has worked on projects including the 2004 tribute to Minnie Evans, the gatekeeper of Airlie Gardens for more than 20 years; Michael Van Hout, known for his metalwork and sculptures; Peggy Cleary, who will teach block printing and lithography for the third summer at ArtSea; and Abby Spangler, whose art focuses on giving visual form to current ecological issues, such as the mistreatment of and cultural ambivalence toward the environment. Other artists are still being recruited to join this year's camp staff.

On- campus housing is available for residential students, but students may also choose to commute. Tuition for residential students is $725; commuter tuition is $495. Tuition includes lunch, transportation, studio fees and supplies. For more information on registration visit: http://uncw.edu/dpscs/marinequest/ArtSea.htm. ArtSea is just one of the summer camps UNCW offers each year, for a complete list of camps being offered this summer visit: http://www.uncw.edu/dpscs and click on "Youth Programs."

Media Contact: Emily Jones, media relations, 910.962.3171 or jonesel@uncw.edu