Children from throughout Chilton County took part in the Arts Council’s summer camp on Tuesday. (Photos by Anthony Richards)

The first of a four-day Summer Art Camp was held Tuesday at the Chilton County Arts Council in downtown Clanton.

The camp will consist of four days spaced out over two weeks. The second day will be Thursday, while July 26 and 28 will be the final two days.

Chance Crumpton is 13 years old from Jemison and discovered an interest in art when he was 10, but had never been involved with the Arts Council until now.

“We were just driving through Clanton one day and I saw the sign for the camp, ” Crumpton said. “A week later, I was signed up. I just paint what happens to come to mind.”

Each day will focus on a famous artist and another style of art. Leonardo da Vinci was the showcased artist on Tuesday and self-portraits were the focused style.

Vincent van Gogh has been selected for Thursday, while July 26 will be Henri Matisse and the final day will concentrate on Graffiti artwork.

Christian Shelnutt puts the finishing touches on his self-portrait painting during the first day of the Summer Art Camp hosted by the Chilton County Arts Council.

According to Hoyt, the children will have an opportunity to trace themselves on a sheet of craft paper that will then be designed based on their imagination. Their final works will be displayed during a gallery show.

“Some people are ready to hear more of the technical side,” Hoyt said. “It all depends on someone’s personality. I really believe in the treatment of individuals.”

Maria Hosmer will be assisting Hoyt as an instructor throughout the camp and will be available to help answer any questions that the children may have.

Hosmer has experience teaching art, having worked in the Baldwin County school system in the past.

The class has a mix of experience levels, with some participating in an art class atmosphere for the first time.

“We’re just trying to reach out to different types of people,” Hoyt said. “We always love to see the new students.”

The opening class had eight children attend. Hoyt expects that number to fluctuate and perhaps rise over the next week.

“Some are committed for the whole time, but others will be attending only some of the camp,” Hoyt said. “A lot of it depends on vacation schedules.”

According to Hoyt, it is never too late to join in on the fun, and for more information on how to get involved with the summer art class or the Chilton County Arts Council, call (205) 305-0105.

“I’ve been doing art for about four years now,” 10-year-old Wesley Smith said. “I like the freedom that you have to express yourself.”