special camp held this summer.

Kaleidoscope summer art camp, which was held at the Warwick Academy, catered to children between the ages of six and 12.

During the six weeks of the camp almost 40 kids were introduced to forms of art such as printmaking, painting, weaving, and paper making among other things.

Camp coordinator Fiona Rodriguez said she was excited about the results of the experience.

"I was amazed at the talent that I got from the children and at their eagerness to do everything,'' Ms Rodriguez said.

She explained that many of the art projects were advanced. "I think it's good to get an age group and give them something to work on that is above their level,'' she added.

Each week the kids worked on a large project such as dragon puppets, totem poles to wear, and batik studies. They also went on field trips to find natural objects to use in their art.

A favourite outing was to Clearwater Beach where the children collected rocks and shells and made a plaster mould in the sand.

The kids also had the chance to experiment in the kitchen each day.

Gingerbread men, Russian tea cakes, and thumb print clues were some of the culinary delights that the children made.

"It's the ideal teaching environment to have children who wanted to be there,'' Ms Rodriguez said. "Their attention spans were wonderful.'' Ms Rodriguez worked with only eight children per week and many of the children repeated the course. She said the small group was important for the kind of activities the children were doing.

The apex of the camp was the art show which was held on Saturday, August 29.

"It was the first `official' art show for these kids,'' Ms Rodriguez said.

"We held it for an hour in the evening and the children where allowed to invite their relatives and friends.'' Ms Rodriguez added that all the best work went on exhibit and each child had at least one piece displayed. "The kids were so excited to see their work up on the wall with their names and ages underneath,'' she said.

Ms Rodriguez, who held a similar camp two years ago, said she would like to continue doing art with children.

"I've been asked to do a Saturday class throughout the year and I hope to have a Christmas camp as well,'' she said. " I love being around the children.'' COLOURFUL CREATION -- This dragon was the result of the summer art camp.