The five-day Camp, which began on July 16 with a Field Trip and concluded on July 20 with the presentation of Certificates, was made possible through the collaborative efforts of UNESCO, the Grenada Arts Council and the Patron of the Arts Fund.

“When you instill in the young people this urge to create, and also teach them the skills, we can get the best out of our community. We have to have the skill levels because we have to compete internationally,” Mr. de la Mothe noted.

A total of 31 students from all seven parishes, ranging from nine to nineteen year, were selected to participate in the ACE Camp based on their ratings in local and regional art competitions and in collaboration with Ministry of Education Art Director Mrs. Lisa Francis, who is also Chair of the Patron of the Arts Fund Management Team.

Four tutors – local artists Gordon Hamilton, Kenneth Noel, Ursula Williams and Suelin Low Chew Tung – conducted the classes, which were held at the Grenada Craft Centre. Three teachers - Alison Mapp of Hillsborough Secondary, Larry John of St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary and Rhonda Andrews of Westerhall Secondary - assisted the tutors, making the ACE Camp a learning experience for them as well.

Teacher Rhonda Andrews said: “This is the most wonderful summer camp I have ever attended. In learning about origami, paper maché, soaps and the different crafts has really shown me that art really can produce, or encourage employment in our Country. I am ready to express myself in the classroom so that students can be motivated. Art is not a subject that should be put on the side.”

Larry John was so inspired by the Camp that he intends to establish an after school art club at SAASS when schools resumes in September.

Classes included Drawing and Painting, Fabric Painting and Printing, Paper Maché Masks and Found Jewellry. In addition to morning and afternoon classes, the ACE Campers attended interactive lunch sessions conducted by local entrepreneurs Debra Mason of Caribbean Naturals, Shirley Noel of Classique Ceramics and Janet Bennette of Spice Isle Plantations, whose businesses are located at the Grenada Craft Centre.

Minister of Education and Labour Claris Charles was most pleased with the outcome of the ACE Camp. When asked to comment on the paintings, jewellry, masks and murals that were created by the ACE Campers, Minister Charles said it was “amazing.”

“If we can get students to do the quality of work that they have done in four days, just imagine what can be accomplished if they are placed in an exhaustive programme. The quality would be just phenomenal,” Minister Charles said.

As for the students, they were thrilled to be part of the Camp, having learned more about art and crafts, made new friends and, most importantly, had the opportunity to express themselves in creative ways.

Moreover, during their field trip the students collected some indigenous archeological artifacts at Pearls. To demonstrate the importance of keeping such artifacts in Grenada, the pieces were mounted and the youngest ACE Camper, nine-year old Donnalyn Hamilton, presented the collection to Mr. Eric Ross of the Grenada National Museum.

In addition to funding from UNESCO and the Patron of the Arts Fund, the ACE Camp was supported by the Agency for Reconstruction and Development, St. George’s University, Marketing and National Importing Board, Dynamic Design Presentation and Grenada Pharmacies

The Patron of the Arts Fund was established with proceeds from the sale of the ARD Art Adventure 2006 commemorative calendar. The ARD Art Adventure used art as a therapeutic tool to help students deal with the trauma of Hurricane Ivan.

Following is a list of the ACE Camp participants, which notes those who received Certificates of Excellence in Junior and Senior categories:

Akida Muller – Hillsborough Sec.: _Senior, Fabric Printing and Painting_
Anthony Andrew – Presentation Brothers College
Allina Bubb - St. Andrew’s RC
Anderson Mitchell – Grand Roy Government
Ashinna Bell – St. George’s University
Ashley Yearwood -Westmoreland: _Junior, Fabric Printing and Painting_
Brendon Emmon – Wesley College
Deryl Hamilton - Crochu RC
Donnalyn Hamilton - Grand Roy Government
Edward Bethel – Hillsborough Sec.
Emma Brathwaite - St. Joseph RC: _Junior, Paper Maché Masks_
Ezra Henry – St. Paul Government
Jamal Charles – Mt. Rose SDA
Jason Isaac – St. David Sec.
Jesma Noel - Westmoreland
Kelon Francis – Westerhall Sec.
Korell Walker – St. Joseph Convent St. George’s
Mikel Thomas – Boca Sec.: _Senior, Paper Maché Masks_
Nkosi Griffith - South St. George Government
Perry Richardson - St. Joseph RC
Phil George – Corinth Government: _Junior, Painting_
Rayshawn Victor – St. George’s SDA
Renatta Fielden – Westmoreland: _Junior, Found Jewellry_
Rhonyree Andrews - Westmoreland
Ria Samuel – Happy Hill Sec.
Rick Gooding – Presentation Brothers College
Rolston Williams – Grenada Boys Secondary School
Samuel Alexander - Crochu RC
Shanna Stewart – TA Marryshow Community College: _Senior Painting_
Stephen Frazer – St. Mark Sec.: _Senior, Found Jewellry_
Verneel Duncan –Wesley College