Riverbank’s Parks and Recreation Department Supervisor Kerrie Webb and Program Specialist Joye Thompson created a new camp for the youth in Riverbank this year called Young Picasso Art Camp.

There were two sessions of Camp, the first from May 20 through 24 and the other session ran from June 10 through 14 at Castleberg Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Each camp was designed for children ages four to seven at a cost of $35 per child.

The camp was created to allow kids to get messy and explore a variety of art techniques from artists including Picasso, Calder, Pollock, and Michelangelo, noted coordinators.

There were several different activities for these little artists to participate in during each session of Art Camp like sculptures with Magic Nuudles, finger painting, a hand imprint, hats, totes and much more. The little campers also learned about color, textures, and 3D art.

Webb created a Picasso coloring book for the youngsters to color in that had each master artist in it and gave an example of their art. The kids would then draw a picture on the next page to learn a little bit about that particular artist’s technique.

“They remember things that they are learning from here about the artists,” said parent Yolanda Vega.

Vega’s daughter Adele said that she really liked making her sculpture with Magic Nuudles, which stick with a little water. They are made from cornstarch and will dissolve with a lot of water.

One of the activities was to concoct a Michelangelo inspired finger painting by lying on a towel underneath a table creating a masterpiece, perhaps mimicking his position as he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

“Some of it (the art) is very clever,” said Webb. “We had a great turnout for our first year.”

The last day of camp featured an art show to showcase all the different creations the young artists made. The artistic campers all got to take home their new creations as well.

Based on the success, Webb said they anticipate having another Young Picasso Art Camp next summer.