It’s been said give a child the tools he needs and he will succeed.

That’s what two local artists have been doing for children in Opp’s District 4, where on Mondays for the past five weeks, Anita Ellis and Kathy Grantham have volunteered their time to teacher a handful of children different artistic techniques.

This is the second year the “Brush Tales” workshop has been held at the Opp Head Start building on Hardin Street.

“I knew that (art) was not something available here and I was talking to Mrs. Shirley Lindsey at an art show, and we talked about it,” Ellis said. “I inquired about teaching it at the Head Start.”

And the rest is history.

Shirley Lindsey said she’s pleased with the efforts made by Ellis and Grantham.

“It’s real nice. I think they are doing a good job,” she said.

Rebecca Lindsey, great-grandmother to a couple of the campers, agreed.

“My hat’s off to the two ladies,” she said.

Councilman Davy Lindsey, who represents Opp’s District 4, was very appreciative of the program.

“It means a lot, because it gives (the children) something to do,” he said. “No one knows what a small beginning will help them achieve.”

Lindsey called the art program “an opportunity for the children to explore their gifts, talents and an opportunity for them to bring out their artistic ability.”

“This is very worthwhile for them to do,” he said.

The adults weren’t the only ones appreciative of the camp. At Monday’s session, the children made gourd art, and all said they enjoyed the project.

“My favorite project was the gourd because we get to paint,” Jasmine Lindsey said.

This is the second summer she attended the program.

For Elijah Lindsey, this gave him an opportunity to paint for the second time.

“I really like paintings,” he said.

Zion Rush said he’s attended all the days of the program except the first one.

“I like doing art. My favorite was when we did the spin art project,” he said. “It’s got this handle, and you twist it and it paints. I like it.”

For Nakeia Adair, the art camp sparked her interest in the arts.

“Being able to paint allows me to express myself,” she said. “This is my first time doing this, and I’d like to do it again next year.”

The final session will be held Monday at 3:30 p.m.