At Camp Loyaltown, art is another way for campers to express themselves and share what inspires them. This summer, their artwork is featured in an exhibit called “The Camp Loyaltown Art Project” at the Mountain Top Library, just a 10-minute drive from camp.
The exhibit includes paintings, paper sculptures and other artwork, inspired by many of the experiences that make Camp Loyaltown special, from beach parties to carnival celebrations, as well as campers’ interests and perspectives. Each session will add to the display.
For Lauren Bernstein, having her artwork on public display is especially meaningful.
Lauren enjoys connecting with fellow campers and friends through her love of the band One Direction and the New York Mets. During Arts & Crafts, Lauren creates handmade magazines featuring cutouts of her favorite band members and baseball players, along with messages celebrating them.
Lauren also enjoys incorporating smiley faces into her art.
“I just draw happy faces, no mad faces,” Lauren said.
One of Lauren’s magazines will soon be on display at the library.
This opportunity to share campers’ artwork with the broader community began when Camp Loyaltown’s program team contacted the Mountain Top Library about displaying artwork created by campers.
“We had a couple of conversations and walked around the space and chatted about having an ongoing exhibit for the duration of the summer, so as many people could see it and it could evolve as the season went along,” said Jacqueline Elmo, Library Director, who has lived in the area for the past 25 years and was familiar with the program.
According to Jacqueline, the exhibit has been warmly received by library visitors. “It’s getting people’s attention,” Jacqueline said. “There’s a lot of connection to the colors and the fun.”
Many of the featured pieces were inspired by activities campers enjoy throughout the summer. Purple octopuses celebrate a Camp beach party while masks were created for a carnival evening.
At the library, Activity Counselor Sindike Reyes Perez helped plan the exhibit and organized the artwork by theme, highlighting memorable moments campers experienced, such as Father’s Day and the Fourth of July.
“I thought it was a great idea because it’s interactive and people may not know about this camp, but if they go there and see art from people with disabilities, it’s including them in this part of the community,” Sindike said.
Jacqueline said the exhibit has introduced new visitors to Camp Loyaltown while reminding longtime community members of the camp’s history and impact.
“We’re happy to host a great group and a good cause,” Jacqueline said.
The Mountain Top Library is located at 6093 Main St. in Tannersville, NY. The hours are as follows:
Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday: Closed