‘It's great to see very shy children come out of their shells ’: Meet Emily-Beth McCormack, a talented artist and summer camp mentor from Newbridge, County Kildare

An 18-year-old artist from Newbridge who has just finished her Leaving Certificate has already found success in mentoring students through her summer camps.

Emily-Beth McCormack has been running summer camps since the summer of 2021, and started off in her grandmother's backgarden.

Speaking to the Leader, Emily-Beth said: "I've always had an interest in art from a very young age and I have spent the last year compiling a portfolio with help from Siobhan Conway, a wonderful artist from Suncroft.

"I have just completed my Leaving Cert in Holy Family and am hoping to go on to do Fine Art in Ulster University this coming September."

When asked about her artistic inspirations, Emily-Beth said: "My current inspiration is Donal Teskey, his art work is so incredible, and I love his side of texture to create vivid scenes of the Irish landscape."

She explained that she initially set up the art classes in 2021 as 'Covid (referring to the pandemic at the time) meant a lot of businesses were hesitant to hire 16-year-olds."

An example of the artistic creations made by children at Emily-Beth's summer camp. Pic supplied by Emily-Beth McCormack.

"A family member told me that she used to do art camps out her back garden when she was younger which got the idea in my head.

"I loved the idea of doing art camps as I remembered being younger and having to do sports camps all summer which was just not something I have ever enjoyed.

Emily-Beth continued: "I found there was very few art camps around Kildare, especially ones that weren't overpriced." 

"I began to advertise on Facebook and Instagram and in cafes/shops frequented by families... I realised straight away that there was a large interest for my camps which was amazing.

"Many parents found that their more shy/non-sporty kids (like myself when I was younger) were hesitant to do most local camps, which focused on group-sports and involved large groups. 

"My classes usually have one to two big craft projects, a drawing lesson and some free time to make any art they would like and have a snack/drink."

When asked about her favourite part of the classes, Emily-Beth said: "It's great to see very shy children come out of their shells.

"From day one, I knew that this was something I would love to do in the future; the kids loved the small classes and the freedom to create and play with all the new media.

"So many parents have commented that their kids who used to hate going to any sort of camp were excited to come every week.

Pic supplied by Emily-Beth McCormack.

"I think the small groups (around four-to-eight kids per class) and the freedom I give the kids to follow my tutorial but also do what they feel works helps kids feel confident and want to keep learning. 

"These last three summers have definitely confirmed that working with children and using art in that world is something I would love to do in the future.

"Art is such a wonderful tool for all ages and I hope that my art camps has helped at least a few local children grow a big appreciation for art."