MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Service members and their families can explore their artistic side by taking free art lessons at the Camp Pendleton Arts & Crafts Hobby Shop.
“Students who are interested can still join the art program even though the classes started March 4,” said Angela Frasier, manager, base hobby shop.
The minimum age requirement for young students is 12 years old. There is a $25 refundable deposit required for each student. The deposit will be given back after the last session for the semester. The current semester is from March 4 to May 20. Classes are scheduled to take place three times a day on Wednesday of each week. Individuals will not receive their refund if they miss more than two classes for the semester and will be dropped from the session, Fraiser said.
Students attending the workshop will be provided with art supplies and will be allowed to keep all art materials they used during the workshop, she said.
The art materials are provided by Kenneth A. Percne Foundations.
Supports the Senior Art Foundation. The Senior Art Foundation has senior citizens come out to the hobby shop to teach students about their talents.
The art teachers provide unique techniques on drawing, painting and other artistic designs.
The workshop instructor, Roger Turk, a member of the Senior Art Foundation, wanted to give back to those who serve his country. A Marine came up to him while he was sketching one day and told him someone should teach the service members on base on how to draw and paint.
“This allows me to teach something I am passionate about,” he said.
Turk plans to teach his students different techniques about sketching, watercolor painting, cartooning and pen and ink. He also intends to teach them how to properly use oils and acrylic paint.
During the first class, Turk taught the students how to measure objects by using a pencil, said Samantha Smith, a workshop student. By measuring the object, this technique will help make it more realistic, she added.
“I really liked coming to this class,” said Jordyn Prouty, workshop student. “There was no one to help me get better at art; we don’t really have art class at school.”
The workshop helps students learn different spectrums of art, which may not be provided in school.
“Not only is art fun for children; art can benefit adults,” Frasier said. “Art can help express emotions that words cannot express.”
For more information about the Art Series Workshop or projects available at the Arts & Crafts Hobby Shop at Camp Pendleton, contact (760) 725-4880.