Making art projects and writing letters to home are two classic camp traditions. Similarly, participants at Crossroads Community Services' Camp Unity created paintings and sculptures based on letters written to a friend, family member, or loved one. Led by the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts staff, 83 adults with disabilities participated in the program. The resulting works are on exhibition at the LCVA, which will hold a free, public reception on Sunday, August 29, from 2-3 p.m.

From May 25 through July 6, Crossroads Community Services sponsored Camp Unity at Twin Lakes State Park and James River State Park, offering recreational opportunities for adults with disabilities. To round out the traditional camp activities such as swimming, volleyball, and archery, the LCVA's Curator of Education Emily Gresham offered art activities for the participants.

Gresham guided campers through the creative process of visually portraying their letters from camp. “The letters range from a simple 'Hello' to an appreciation or thanks for loved ones,” noted Gresham. “The works in the exhibition really attest to the individuality of each artist and to the commonalities that link all people.”

This is the third year that the LCVA has collaborated with Crossroads Community Services for Camp Unity. An opening reception for the artists, their friends and families, and the community at large will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, August 29. The exhibition will be shown on the LCVA's lower level, running through September 17.

The LCVA is located at 129 North Main Street in Farmville. Admission is free and open to the public. For further information on this or other programs and events, call the LCVA at 434-395-2206.