Millenia Bailey, 7, paints a silhouetted field on her canvas during a summer art workshop hosted by Patsy Delk.

Patsy Delk instructs the students in her summer art workshop on perspective before telling them to follow suit.

For 20 years, Patsy Delk has hosted a summer art workshop in her garage turned art studio north of Clovis.

An art teacher at Clovis Christian School, Delk said she realized there isn’t enough art in schools and decided to do something about it.

“It’s important that students stay involved in art,” Delk said. “Music appreciation and art appreciation is important when young. That’s what’s wrong with our kids, they have too much time on their hands.”

And with summer break in full swing, lack of school has left children with several unfilled hours. Delk intends to fill an hour each weekday through June 26 with art.

Delk uses her artwork as leading examples for her students so they can see the final project. She uses a silhouette painting of cacti to teach the students color value, contrast and perspective.

After teaching the students that a large cactus means it’s close and the small cactus means it’s far away, she complimented their work.

“Michaelangelo would be proud of ya’ll,” Delk said. “He was one of my favorites.”

As the six students in her morning class follow her instructions, Delk walks around to each station to check on their progress.

“I like small classes, so I can work with each of them,” Delk said.

One of her students, Madison Haakma, said she loves art.

“You can do many different things and you have to be creative and it’s really fun,” the 11-year-old said.

Haakma said painting is her favorite and she enjoys painting with darker colors, such as blue and black.

Fast facts:

• Who: Summer art workshop

• What: Children ages 8-12

• When: 10-11:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.- 2:45 p.m., Monday through Friday through June 26

• Price: $50, includes art supplies

• Information: Patsy Delk 762-6374

The enjoyment Haakma takes from art is why Delk has dedicated her time to providing more art to more children.

“My passion is to bring the world of art to children of all ages,” she said. “I enjoy teaching because it’s rewarding to see my students learn as well as enjoy themselves.”

Delk’s art experience came from her parents, who she describes as “crafty.” Being raised and surrounded by art, Delk said she just took to it.

“As one of four kids, I was the only one interested in art,” Delk said. “I guess I’m gifted. I guess God just decided ‘I’ll pick this one.’”

At the age of 20, Delk said she attended several art workshops and it just expanded from there. She began giving art lessons for children and adults in 1988, was a featured artist in New Mexico Magazine in 1993, and wrote and published an art book. But Delk said it is still about the children.

“It’s interesting to see how different all of them paint and create in their own way. Their personalities come through in their paintings.”