Young artists presented projects they made during the Talents and Treasures 2004 Summer Youth Classes in Prairie City. On picnic tables in Depot Park Friday, July 16, the kids were able to display their handiwork to their parents and the community.

Participating students in the classes ranged from 7-year-olds through sixth-graders, and were from Prairie City, Mt. Vernon and John Day.

Each one-day class was set up with the material needed and a two-hour time frame to work on the projects, except for the papier-mache and model cars and planes, which were both two-day classes.

Classes ran July 12-15, and included tole painting by Tanni Wenger; ceramics by Donna Adams; basket coiling by Sarolta Sperry; papier-mache by Father Cassar; woodworking by Howard Gieger; and model cars and planes by Patrick Bentz. Each instructor donated their time and some of the supplies for each class. International Model-Hobby manufacturer of Ohio, Talents and Treasures, Sandy Bowen and Iva’s Plant House all supplied materials for the projects. The International Costume and Food Festival was a fund-raiser for the arts and crafts summer program for the children.

During the mini-art show, the young students were treated with watermelons to snack on, which turned into a feast, with kids challenging each other on how many pieces they could demolish. To redeem the watermelon eating championship title, one had to have eaten a minimium of nine slices to be in the running.

Despite the 97 degree weather, the children giggled, played tag and had cartwheel contests, enjoying their summer vacation.

When asked if this has been the best thing they have done this summer, they said, watermelon mouthfuls and all, “Yeah!”

The artists will display their artwork again Aug. 7 at Arts in the Park in Prairie City.

Talents and Treasures is a group organized by volunteers for the purpose of community enrichment through the arts.