Artists help local youth create mural at camp

PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff Above: William Cochran, (l-r), Cody Loomis, artist Pat Ellson, Brianna Quilla and Fabian Reyes sit next to a piece of art work they helped to create at Monmouth Cares in West Long Branch on Aug. 27. Monmouth Cares held its Dog Days of Summer camp, which is a two-week, hands-on learning camp for the youth of Monmouth Cares. Below: Cody Loomis, (l-r), Heather Reid, Brianna Quilla and Vicky Nelson, adjunct Professor at Brookdale Community College, stand next to the large mural they helped create at Monmouth Cares summer camp. WEST LONG BRANCH — Campers of MonmouthCares Inc.'s Dog Days of Summer camp participated in a two-week hands-on learning experience that concluded with the group of youths creating a mural.

Three local artists camp together for the camp to inspire and enrich the lives of seven young artists. The camp included 'Tile Painting and Jewelry,' hosted by Pat Ellson; 'Pinky Does Picasso,' with Pinky Adubato and 'The Making of the Mural,' with Vicky Nelson.

The children and artists were honored on Aug. 27 when the mural created by the youth was unveiled and hung in the MonmouthCares West Long Branch office.

The West Long Branchbased MonmouthCares Inc. joined forces with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County 4-H Office in creating Monmouth 4H Cares, an initiative to develop new learning experiences through a life-skills model aimed at helping local children better face the challenges they encounter through shared areas of interest.

In a day and age where youth often feel alienated from and ignored by the adult world, social and recreational programs addressing young people's interests will likely be more effective in keeping kids safe and away from the dangers of the streets, according to a press release from Monmouth Cares.

Community members interested in mentoring a child in the areas of creative and performing arts and sports, can contact Mariela Osorio, Monmouth 4H Cares Program Liaison, at 732-222-8008 ext. 129.