Frost Valley YMCA Day Campers Receive Lessons from Renowned Artist Alexander Kaletski

07/19/2018

Day campers enrolled in Mini Monet, Frost Valley YMCA’s brand new specialty day camp, recently had the unique and exciting opportunity to learn about art from renowned artist Alexander Kaletski. Mini Monet is designed to foster children’s natural love of art by encouraging them to express themselves through various mediums.

Campers enrolled in Mini Monet learned how to create watercolors, nature collages, pottery, and acrylic paintings, but the most exciting lessons came from Alexander Kaletski. “Frost Valley was thrilled that Alexander Kaletski was able to teach the children about painting and collaging. It was a great experience for them to learn from a successful artist,” said Jessie Emmons, Community Programs Director of Frost Valley YMCA.

Alexander Kaletski escaped Soviet Russia in 1975 to evade the creatively oppressive restrictions enforced on artists at that time. During his first years in America, Kaletski was without money to buy paint or canvas, yet he had no shortage of determination. The artist reclaimed cardboard boxes and other disposable materials to create his works. He remains inspired by this process today and continues to engage with unconventional materials. Kaletski is represented by Anna Zorina Gallery in New York; his work is on permanent display at the Claryville Art Center.

During his visit to Frost Valley, the children visited the Claryville Arts Center and listened intently as Kaletski showed and explained his collection. He also shared with them painting and collaging techniques, which they used to create their own masterpieces.

In honor of Kaletski and his fondness for using reclaimed materials, the campers turned cardboard boxes into their own beautiful works of art. The campers showcased their paintings at Family Night on July 11, 2018.

Family Nights offer registered day campers, their siblings, and their parents a special night once per session to enjoy fun, family-centered activities like swimming, boating, and games. Parents can experience camp through the eyes of their children, while learning how their children spend their day and creating lasting memories as a family.

Day camp sessions are still available; however, parents are strongly encouraged to sign up right away to secure their child’s spot. To register your child for day camp at Frost Valley, sign up online, call 845-985-2291, or email registrar@frostvalley.org.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frost Valley YMCA

Frost Valley YMCA is a 5,500-acre, year-round camp - There's something for everyone here in the Valley. From group and family retreats to overnight camps to horse camps to teambuilding, we've got you covered. School groups love taking a three-night field trip to explore the natural world and learn about the environment and their classmates. Family weekends are the perfect getaway for the young and the young at heart. Teambuilding retreats afford corporate, collegiate, religious, and other groups the opportunity to challenge themselves and effectively work toward common goals. In the summertime we're where kids and teens gain independence, explore the world, and make lifelong friends through various camps such as traditional sleepaway camp, farm camp, horse camp, adventure trips, and day camp. Call (845)985-2291 or email info@frostvalley.org to learn more today!