VILSECK, Germany -- More than 100 mini-Picassos got creative during the Exceptional Family Member Program Art Fest at Rose Barracks' Army Community Service, here, March 16.
While an array of mediums were available, from crayons, construction paper and paints to Play-Doh and goo, most young artists chose glitter and glue, creating sparkly still-lifes that will don refrigerators throughout Army housing.
Drawing on inspiration from the colorful world around her, 9-year-old Isabella Weatherby selected a bright yellow piece of construction paper and decorated it with swirls. To complete the piece she added a handful of feathers.
Across the room, Cameron Valdez, 4, diligently worked on a plate of green Play-Doh spaghetti, something he was doing "just for fun."
"I'm not really going to eat it," he explained.
Collin Metcall, on the other hand, had a gift in mind when completing his artwork.
"It's for my mom," said the 8-year-old. "She likes it when I make her stuff like this."
While the fest sought to provide children a creative outlet, it was also a way to educate community members on EFMP, according to program manager Jay Velis.
EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical and personnel services to families with special needs. These needs range greatly and include physical, emotional or a developmental diagnosis, and family members in need of specialized treatment, therapy or counseling.
"We have a large community here made up all of kinds of special people," said Velis. "We want to bring everyone together and educate them about the services we offer."
Community involvement is what makes U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr thrive, and was evinced by participation from Child, Youth and School Services and School Age Services, who brought the children on a field trip to participate in the events of the day, and USAG Grafenwoehr Commander Col. Jim Saenz, who stopped by to get his hands dirty (literally) by plunging them in a tub of handmade oobleck (a gooey substance made popular by Dr. Seuss) along with a group of giggling preschoolers.
"I think events like this really help get the word out, that programs like this exist and are here to help," said family member Stephanie Karnap.
For 8-year-old Chai Banks, having fun was the most important part.
"We're kids," she said. "That's what we're supposed to do."
Long after the pitter patter of feet left the building, the room left little trace of the art fest, all except tiny specks of glitter -- a shimmering reminder of this important program.
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