Children, Art and Community

In 1984 Camp Fire An Artists’ Christmas gala and art auction was created by a group of dedicated volunteers who loved art and artists to raise funds for the programs Camp Fire provides to children and youth in our cherished communities. Fort Worth is a mecca of talent in the arts and holds a place in America as having some of the finest art museums and cultural scenes in the country.

What better way to support children than through art?

At Camp Fire youth and child care professionals who care for them, find their Spark in life and realize their qualities and skills. Camp Fire helps children become leaders and team players, and through our programs, youth thrive.

Because of our beloved local and regional artists and art lovers, three-quarters of a million kids have had the opportunity to be involved in a Camp Fire program where they  discover who they are, see and experience the wonder of outdoors and nature and find their voice and place in the world. And isn’t that what art is about? How an artist sees the world around them and how they see themselves in the world?

We had a chance to talk with a long-time art donor, renowned ceramic artist Pamela Summers. She has donated her time and talent to the event for many years. She shared the reasons she continues to be involved with An Artists’ Christmas. “Camp Fire is a fabulous organization that has and continues to help thousands of children and families with education, child care, grief camp, and appreciation of the outdoors (something many kids may not have access to). In donating my art, I feel a part of achieving Camp Fire’s efforts and goals. It is an honor to be part of our esteemed artist community. An Artists Christmas has always been a fabulously fun event! Plus, we often manage to come home with a wonderful piece of art. This year will be different, but I look forward to the virtual event and the extra time to look at the art and bid online. Go Camp Fire!” Summers shared.

Each year, the event committee strives to bring together a diverse talent pool of artists considering both experience and art mediums. This year, our outreach resulted in 15 new, talented artists donating their work!  Mark Wilson is one of these newly contributing artists.

“When the Chase’s introduced me to Camp Fire and An Artists’ Christmas, I was drawn to the mission of the organization, and the beauty of the event. I was delighted to submit my art, and I’m thankful to be able to participate,” he said.

An Artists’ Christmas has been our very favorite event of many we attend in Fort Worth annually. The elegance, creativity and uniqueness of the evening are unparalleled. Additionally, as long time Camp Fire volunteers, and as past executive board member and the chair of the El Tesoro Foundation, and this year’s AAC Event Chairs, we have always been grateful to be a part of the mission of Camp Fire. We could not pass up the great privilege to chair this year’s event.

Despite the challenge of 2020 and COVID-19, we are thankful to have the resources to continue this excellent tradition virtually and look forward to “seeing” everyone on November 13. Thank you for your support. We are grateful.