Recycled record albums, plant pots and mirrors are a few items engaging youngsters at an artists camp at Mentor Community Center this summer.
The camp, spanning two sessions over two weeks and ending June 20, is being led by Mentor School District art teacher Jacqui Spetrino.
The activity is a popular draw. Available openings were filled to capacity with youngsters ranging in age from 7 through 12 .
On June 18, enthusiastic artists worked side-by-side on projects such as decorating soap containers, copying their own mirror reflections for self-portraits and learning Photoshop techniques.
Another project centering on silk painting kept Brentmoor Elementary student Alexander Romo busy. Concentrating on maintaining a steady hand while drawing neat lines, he said he heard about the camp through friends and thought he’d give it a shot — and he’s glad he did.
“I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “I really haven’t done or seen art like this before.”
Spetrino, who kept campers hopping by introducing multiple projects and interjecting energy with her upbeat personality, said her hope for the youngsters at the camp was “just to (have them) love art.”
She added that, “There are all kinds of camps for sports, but it’s important to have different ways for kids to express themselves.”
Expression overflowed at several tables, with campers holding artwork in the midst of being created. “I can’t kick out projects fast enough,” she said referring to their willingness to take on new tasks.
Mentioned by many as their favorite artwork was drawing on old vinyl LPs, which later were cut, melted and designed into flower shapes.
Ariana Zalack, also a Brentmoor Elementary student, said that she’s excited to present the unusual, decorated blossom to her grandmother for her birthday.
“I love art and I wanna be an artist,” she said with conviction.
St. Gabriel School student Jack Mulchin said he originally signed up for the camp to improve his drawing skills and didn’t realize how much fun it would be.
“I like it because we get to try all kinds of drawings and I’m meeting a lot of friends, too,” he said.
Also hoping to improve her skills was Kristen Suszek of Willo-Hill Christian School.
“Drawing eyes is my biggest struggle,” she said.
Tara Grambo, who attends St. Gabriel School, pulled out a bag of completed projects to display when asked about her handiwork.
“This is my third art camp and I know I’m going to come home with cool stuff,” she said.
Serving as an assistant was Nina Patti of Ridge Middle School who attended the camp’s first session and was asked to return to help out.
She carefully operated an iPad to shoot photos of Zoe Diczhazy, an Orchard Hollow student, who was working on Photoshopping herself into a classic piece of art.
Spetrino, highly regarded by campers, also is gaining accolades in another realm. She’s been chosen as a finalist to represent the Cleveland Indians in an All-Star contest sponsored by Major League Baseball.
Thousands of classroom teachers have been narrowed down to three finalists for each team. The candidate with the most votes for his or her respective team will have a chance to attend and be recognized at the 2014 All-Star Game at Target Field in Minnesota, and one will be featured in People magazine.
Finalists were chosen on their actions which have made a difference in the lives of students and their communities.
As well as being an inspiration in the classroom, Spetrino’s work has extended into the community by bringing students to retirement homes to work on art projects with residents and through teaming up for activities with the Mentor Senior Center members.