Young artists from across Saint Lucia stepped into the spotlight on Thursday as the second annual El & Nadz Art Escape Summer Camp concluded with a vibrant public exhibition, showcasing not only their artistic talents but also the confidence, creativity and cultural pride developed over three weeks of immersive learning.
Held at the Anglican Infant School, the exhibition featured original works created by children from various schools, many of whom experienced the thrill of displaying their artwork publicly for the very first time. Proud parents, relatives and supporters gathered to celebrate the young creatives and witness the remarkable transformation that took place throughout the camp.
Camp Coordinator Ella Morris explained that the programme extended far beyond painting and crafts, intentionally helping children strengthen their communication skills by encouraging them to explain the stories and inspiration behind their creations.
The educational impact of the initiative was also highlighted by Curriculum Officer for Mathematics at CAMDU, Jonella Giffard, who described mathematics as an art form and praised the programme for bringing classroom concepts to life through geometry, design and spatial thinking. Impressed by the children’s creativity, Giffard even joined them in producing a piece for her own office and expressed hope that creative learning would become an even greater part of early childhood education.
Throughout the camp, participants explored three major artistic disciplines while celebrating Saint Lucian heritage. They produced perspective paintings inspired by the island’s breathtaking landscapes, designed mosaics featuring local fruits and wildlife, and created costume-inspired pieces reflecting Carnival and Creole Heritage traditions. Some children even incorporated elements from their Kiddies’ Carnival costumes into their artwork, creating deeply personal and culturally meaningful pieces.
To enrich the creative experience, campers also visited cultural and educational sites including Fond Latisab, Lucian Country Life and the Union Zoo, allowing them to draw inspiration directly from Saint Lucia’s people, traditions and natural environment.
For camper Anarae Fenelon, the experience was one of constant discovery. She said every day at camp brought an opportunity to learn something new and create something different, making the experience both exciting and rewarding.
Co-Coordinator Nadia Charles believes the programme’s benefits will extend well beyond the summer holidays. She said the creativity nurtured during the camp naturally carries over into academic performance while helping children develop discipline, focus and positive behaviours that will support them in the classroom.
As this year’s Art Escape Summer Camp came to a close, organisers celebrated not only the impressive artwork on display but also the growth, confidence and enthusiasm shown by every participant, leaving parents and children alike eager for the next edition.
