The concept of using creativity to build an artful life is one of the many founding principles at The Studio at Contempo’s first annual Fashion Camp.
From Monday through Friday, 10 girls ages 9 to 13 will learn to sew and embellish a wide variety of clothing at the Boalsburg studio, which has become a destination for creative classes, parties and gatherings since its opening six months ago, according to a press release by the studio.
Amy Frank, the camp’s director and a resident sewing instructor at the studio, said although there are no guidelines for the campers, a majority of them have some sewing experience.
“Most of these girls have taken a class from me before,” Frank said.
Each day the campers’ lessons will focus on a different aspect or topic, some of which include making skirts and accessories, “T-shirt remix,” and constructing tote bags from scratch and by machine, Frank said.
On Friday, the students will get to pick themselves which lessons or items they’d like to spend more time on, she said.
“This week is a lot about choice,” Frank said.
Fashion Camp will commence on Friday with a fashion show at 4:30 p.m. on the studio’s outdoor patio, in which the girls will have a chance to exhibit the looks they created during the week.
Frank explained the idea behind Fashion Camp is not only to help teach the students they can have a skillful and crafty life, but that they have the power, using their own individual talents and visions, to make the look and life they want to have.
“Sewing is in many ways a lost art,” Frank said in the release. “I feel it’s important to teach young girls these skills and also show them how much fun creating your clothes can be.”
The Studio at Contempo is located above Contempo Artisan Boutique, owned by local jeweler Staci Egan. The space, on 109 S. Church St., is a co-operative of seven local artists who together teach classes in a variety of artistic pursuits, including knitting, photography, preschool art, and fine painting and drawing.
