GALVESTON — Tony Wynn, a Galveston native, is no stranger to the beauty of art, and many would find it hard to believe the first time he really picked up a paintbrush was when he was 30.
Wynn introduced himself into the art world through his gallery, Serious Studios, in October 1998.
Today, Wynn shares his time and passion for art with the children at Ambassadors Preparatory Academy by teaching art classes to children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
“Art gives you a chance to recreate yourself,” Wynn said. “I feel privileged to introduce these students to it.”
Wynn’s first encounter with the students at the academy was during a visit to his gallery in Galveston.
“Working with these students gave me a chance to redirect my energy to something better than I could ever have hoped for,” Wynn said.
Pat Williams, Ambassadors’ superintendent and principal, said she believes hands-on activities truly benefit the development of the students and stimulate their minds.
When Wynn first began working with the students, none had art supplies. Wynn would bring his supplies in when he came in weekly.
The art Wynn teaches the students is broken down into four categories — me, space, birds and flowers.
The project Wynn called “Me” was a collection of the students’ self-portraits. Many were put online, and bidders have been given the opportunity to sponsor a student by bidding on art pieces.
All of the students’ artwork was showcased at ArtWalk in Galveston in May. Each piece was sold for $5.
Proceeds went toward the students’ art kits. The art kits consist of watercolors, colored pencils, markers and some paint brushes — all of which help encourage creativity in the students ‘imaginations.
“Now that the students have these art kits, they are able to continue on with their art on throughout the summer,” Wynn said.
Next year, Wynn hopes to recruit students who are interested in an e-book project that would involve some creative writing and journaling as well as incorporating art pieces into their e-book.
To encourage that interest, Wynn has established a summer program for the Ambassadors students.
The program consists of 10 weekly sessions every Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The program will teach students about art appreciation, freehand drawing, photography, creative writing and crafts.
The program will end Aug. 4. Sessions are at Serious Studios, 407 22nd St.
“I am exactly like these children,” Wynn said. “I’m from where they’re from and I know what they need. That’s why I’m here.”
