From top to bottom, the walls of the Chilton County Arts Council’s Rose Gallery were covered with artwork during an exhibit on Saturday. (Photos by Anthony Richards)

Several weeks’ worth of artwork was on display during an exhibit on Saturday that was hosted by the Chilton County Arts and concluded the summer arts camp.

Thirteen kids from throughout the county, who had attended the summer arts camp, were showcased along the walls of the Rose Gallery in downtown Clanton.

Each child was not limited to just one style of art, as multiple perspectives were introduced during the classes.

“They all had an idea of what they wanted to do, and they didn’t need much help from us,” said Arts Council president Sue Anne Hoyt.

According to Hoyt, the brainchild behind the children’s summer camp was Maria Hosmer.

Hosmer has taught art in the past in the Baldwin County school system.

Sophia Russell, 5, attended the Chilton County Arts Council’s summer camp and her work was showcased during Saturday’s exhibit.

“They know that they have the ability to express themselves,” Hosmer said. “The only thing that we told them was that they have to do it in a specific style.”

The styles of famous artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse were used as examples.

Every child that participated at any point during the summer camp had their work displayed regardless of their experience level.

“I didn’t think that they would do so much on their own,” Hosmer said. “They kept themselves busy the entire time.”

One of the artists on hand during Saturday’s exhibit was 14-year-old Chance Crumpton.

“The teachers were very helpful,” Crumpton said. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Crumpton is involved in the weekly art classes that the Arts Council hosts every Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., but this is the first time that he has had his artwork on display for the rest of the community to enjoy.

“It makes me feel even better when I see people looking at my art,” Crumpton said.

According to Crumpton, the graffiti was the most challenging and there are still some last minute touches that he wants to make.

“I think he found out that there is more to it than just putting letters up there,” said Kimya Crumpton, Chance’s mother. “An artist is never completely satisfied. Sometimes the best art can take a while.”

The summer camp was art at its purest form, and is something that the Arts Council wants to grow in future years.

“It’s really nice to see them working hard, but so happy at the same time,” Hosmer said. “It’s great for them to see their artwork exposed.”