KY Artist Hosting Art Camp to Inspire Elementary School Students

Owensboro artist, Will Evans, participated in The United Way of Ohio Valley's very first Barrels for HeArt fundraiser last fall. He and a group of other local creatives painted bourbon barrels that were auctioned off to support non-profit organizations in the area. Through the process, he was inspired to collaborate with those artists for the good of the community.

Will Evans

Changing Our Community For the Better at the Foundation

It's no secret that Owensboro has experienced way too many tragedies due to gun violence. Especially in the past few years, it seems. Will shared with me how these events have hit close to home, "My family has been deeply affected by gun violence. It's not uncommon to hear gunshots in my area."

He continued, "On Oct 6, 2022, we lost my wife's cousin, Chris Green. On Nov 22, 2023, we lost Stephanie Green, my wife's sister, both to gun violence. If we can give kids a safe place to express themselves through art and support and teach them, we can change our community for the better at the foundation."

Art Benefits Children in Many Ways

Studies have shown that by participating in arts education and learning creative skills, children thrive in other areas as well. Art helps kids perfect fine motor skills, improves memory and self-control, boosts self-esteem, encourages self-expression, and aids in developing problem-solving abilities. These are all very important lessons that can be translated from the art studio to the real world.

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That's why when Will learned that his friend Cori Douglas from River Valley Behavioral Health was married to LJ Douglas, the family resource coordinator at Estes Elementary School, they made plans to develop his idea into an art camp for kids. Will, being a gem of a human, actually has lots of pretty amazing friends who are excited to jump on board with this project.

Free Art Camp This Summer at Estes Elementary

This camp in particular will be for students who currently attend Estes Elementary School. There will be two sessions, one for kindergarten through 2nd grade on June 24-28th, and the other July 15-19th for 3rd through 5th graders. With fifty spots per camp, 100 total students will get to experience this free of charge!

You know those friends I mentioned? Aaron Kizer of Kizer Construction is providing art supplies. Will has also invited quite a lineup of local guest artists to volunteer and mentor the kiddos such as Bobby Edge, Zion Riley, Camille Armstrong, Brittany Samsil, Mathew Shelton, and Nancy Middleton.

Will Evans

Collaborating for Creativity

It takes a lot of brain power to create works of art, so a group of locally-owned restaurants, food trucks, and catering services are chipping in to provide breakfast and lunch for the campers and volunteers each day. Once again, totally free! Some of Owensboro's best, including Lure Seafood and Grille, Fetta Specialty Pizza, Dee's Diner, Real Hacienda, Kim's Diner, Lizzie's Diner, Gramps Coffee and Donuts, Rolling Pin Bakery, Basil's Food Truck and McHenry's Event Planning.

Each kiddo will be inspired by comic books donated by Big Bang Comics and Toys. How cool is that?! They will be creating sculptures, crafts, painting canvases, and drawing all while having fun and making friends.

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Will told me he is already planning more art camps in other areas and will include different age groups, "These events will hopefully be the first of many."