Lake Wales Arts Center Serves 80 Children at Summer Arts Camp

Eighty Lake Wales area young people got to explore their artistic selves during two-week summer camp programs sponsored by the Lake Wales Arts Council.

The children, ages 7-13, had opportunities for lessons in the digital arts, two music classes, sculpting, painting and drawing. At the end of the second camp session their work was displayed in the gallery at the arts center and their families were invited to a special reception.

"Our goal is always to reach as many children as we can and have them show appreciation for the arts," said camp director Brandon Alvarado, the education coordinator at the arts center. "A lot of these students don't have access to fine arts education."

Recognizing arts camp might not fit into every family's budget, the arts council found sponsors and donors so they could offer scholarships.

"We understand that some students' financial situation doesn't allow them to take classes and extra activities. We feel like your monetary situation should not prevent you from experiencing the arts," Alvarado said.

The Lake Wales Arts Council relies on sponsors and volunteers for many of its programs. To find out more, visit their website at http://lakewalesartscouncil.org or call the center at 863-676-8426. Located at 1099 SR 60 East, the Lake Wales Arts Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment between 2 and 5 p.m. Building tours are available by request.

To see a full gallery of event photos by Williamson Photography of Lake Wales, go to https://www.lakewalesnews.net/photos