With weeks before children arrive for Art Camp; History Camp, the Historical Society’s Melissa Houston and Olivia Luntz are fine-tuning the activities based on the museum’s historic collections that will enable campers to have fun while learning about the international influences that have shaped the region’s culture.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a rich and varied collection of historic items at Bush-Holley
House that serve as inspiration for campers’ learning and showcase the interconnectedness of
our world,” said Director of Education & Interpretation Melissa Houston.
“Our art and crafts classes will enable the children to hone their creative skills while learning about the processes that were used in creating the artifacts in our collections, especially those that inspired the
Impressionist artists of the Cos Cob Art Colony who painted and taught on the Bush-Holley House grounds in the late 18th century.”
Historic crafts directly inspired by the site’s history include:
• Early 19th century chintz fabric on the bedspread and canopy in the gracious main bedroom will inspire children to create their own prints using a stamp just the way local artisans did hundreds of years ago.
• Original Impressionist canvasses and watercolors will be on display so that children can use their imaginations in creating their own version of the artworks that were created by many of the Cos Cob Art Colony Impressionists.
•Japanese block prints which are featured throughout Bush-Holley will demonstrate
influences of the far east in textile design and fine art.
• Elmer Livingston MacRae’s striking mural of poppies displayed in the historic barn will inspire children to create their own interpretation of the flowers. Their version will be proudly on display for campus visitors to admire.
• Plants and flowers in the historic gardens will allow campers to experiment with natural dyes similar to those the Bush family had access to in the 18th century when they resided in the historic house.
“An important goal with Art & History Camp is to have children begin to gain an appreciation for the role of the arts in shaping different cultures including our own,” added Houston. “This will give them a foundation for a life-long journey of discovery about our interconnected world.”
Art & History Camp at Greenwich Historical Society runs from July 14 – August 1. For more information on the programs and to register, please visit: Art & History Camp.
