Dallas Museum of Art Uncrated

Every first day at camp starts roughly the same: the kids enter the classroom and there is a brief introduction where the students state their name, school, and a couple of things about themselves. Each time, there are more than a handful of students that say, “I love art.” You’d think it might become redundant, but honestly, it is just the opposite. With every shy, “I love art,” you can feel the passion in the room increase that much more. I am surrounded everyday by aspiring artists who not only remind me of my younger self, but also prove that creativity is abundant in the next generation.

Many of the camps look at The Guitarist by Picasso because it correlates to many different lessons. I remember one specific time when the teacher had the students do a quick sketch of the painting. I was sitting on the floor, peering at all the obscure images of what these kids perceived. It didn’t matter what their final product looked like or how accurate it was to the original–what was special about each sketch was that it was a product of an eager little brain at work.

I’ve had amazing weeks at work, even though I can hardly call it work, and the worst part is on that last day of camp when I have to say, “Goodbye.”

Julia Dankberg
Summer Programs Intern

Hi, my name is Grace Anne and I’m one of the 4 interns this summer assisting with Art Camps at the DMA. I majored in painting and drawing at Texas Woman’s University and I am most inspired by colorful artwork.

One of my favorite pieces of art at the DMA is Soul Three by Romare Bearden. I love the pops of color juxtaposed by the black and white cutouts. I’m also a huge music fan, so I love the instruments in this work. Folk art is one of my favorite genres of artwork because of the stories that lie beneath the surface of the materials.

Another favorite painting is Bougival by Maurice de Vlaminck from the Museum’s Wendy and Emery Reves Collection. When I first saw this painting, I was captured by the vibrant, passionate colors. This painting is significant to me as a symbol of my desires and passions. My greatest passions are painting, serving people, art history, live music, outdoor adventures, and traveling the world. Working at the DMA has given me a chance to explore some of these passions more fully as I get to work alongside artists and kids in the galleries and classrooms at the Museum.

Watching the kids create so many amazing pieces of art is incredible–I am constantly astounded by their ideas and masterpieces. I couldn’t imagine a better place to be. We have the most fun at Art Camp!

Grace Anne Arnold
Summer Programs Intern