Art Camp culminates in sale that doubles last year’s takings

Success was built on success during the Second Annual Lake Chapala Society (LCS) Children’s Art Camp, held in late July on the society’s grounds. 

The Art Camp, sponsored and generously supported by the Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) and the Lake Chapala Society, helped more than 100 local kids use their eyes, hands, and imaginations to learn new skills in jewelery-making, papier mâché, watercolor, and clay modeling and printing. Each day the young artists received nutritious snacks; on the last day of camp they enjoyed a special lunch.

Art Camp was energized by more than 50 dedicated volunteers. Many of the kids’ parents joined in to help the organizers, workshop teachers and their assistants. Many children chose to price their creations, for the sale during a four-hour event on Saturday, July 26. The enthusiastic crowd that turned out upped the ante, doubling last year’s sales record. The children will receive half of the after-tax proceeds from the sale of their artwork, with the remainder going into the coffers to continue to sponsor the regular Saturday LCS Children’s Art Program sessions each week from 10 a.m. until noon.

To continue Neill James’ strong commitment to education and reading, a story reading class takes place from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the LCS Gazebo. Both the art and reading programs are open to the public, and welcome all children from the ages of 5 to 18 without.

Those interested in volunteering are invited to drop by during any Saturday morning session. The need for volunteers is especially great during the low season. Area residents can volunteer by sending an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This program, which builds on Ajijic’s art legacy, is possible due to many dedicated volunteers, including legacy artists Antonio López Vega, Javier Zaragoza, and Jésus López Vega who, as children,  were members of the original program. The LCS Children’s Art Program is grateful for the generous donations and dedicated volunteers of the Ajijic Society of the Arts. ASA has been a primary source of support for the program for many years. Additional volunteers and donations of cash and materials come from the lakeside community.