ACETNews
For 14 young participants of the WINARC Art Centre Summer Class 2026, art became more than painting and drawing as they explored sculpture, creative experiments and new ways of expressing themselves while building friendships and confidence.
The summer programme brought together children and teenagers who were introduced to different aspects of art through practical activities and creative exercises under the guidance of experienced artists and art teachers.
Veteran artist and art teacher Archie-Abia Godwin who initiated the programme, said the summer class began 10 years ago and that he was grateful to see his dream gradually becoming a reality. He described this year’s experience as interesting and innovative while noting the addition of two new energetic artists, Temitope Victoria Ogunwale and Enoch Makinde.
Archie-Abia, however, said the programme continued to face challenges linked to the wider realities in Nigeria. He expressed hope for increased student participation and sponsorship in future editions of the summer class.
One of the instructors, Temitope Victoria Ogunwale, popularly known as Temi OG, said she enjoyed sharing the knowledge she had acquired in art with the young participants. She said the students made the teaching experience easier by showing willingness to learn, experiment with new materials and explore different creative possibilities.
Ogunwale also thanked Godwin for giving her the opportunity to contribute to the programme and appreciated the parents for entrusting their children to the instructors and investing in their artistic development. She described the experience as a good one for both the teachers and students.
For 14-year-old Victoria Olaosebikan, the experience was both interesting and enjoyable. She expressed her desire to participate in the programme again, describing the class as an opportunity she would gladly revisit.
Fourteen-year-old Divine Olatidoye said she experienced a lot of fun activities during the programme while learning new skills. Her experience reflected the combination of creative learning and recreation that characterised the summer class.
Ireoluwa Afolabi, 12, described the programme as a wonderful experience that she did not want to end. She said the participants learnt different things about art that she believed could not easily be learnt elsewhere.
For some of the students, the programme also offered opportunities to explore techniques they had not previously encountered. Great Anyanwu, 14, highlighted learning how to make a magic box as one of the memorable aspects of the class.
Eleven-year-old Joshua King said the programme taught him a lesson that went beyond art. According to him, he learnt that “mistakes are part of life,” showing how the creative process also encouraged the children to embrace experimentation and learning from errors.
David Ejikeme said learning how to sculpt was his favourite part of the programme, while also expressing his affection for his friends and teachers. His younger sibling, eight-year-old Sophia Ejikeme, said the class helped her understand that art was not only about painting and drawing but could also teach courage and bravery.
Oluwafeyi Isikemi Enigbokan, 11, said the programme broadened her understanding of art, noting that it was not only about using a pencil to draw but also about setting one’s mind on something and pursuing it. Amanda Nene, also 11, described the art class as “great and amazing” and said she would like to return.
The students who participated in the 2026 summer class included Joshua King, David Ejikeme, Sophia Ejikeme, Great Anyanwu, Moriri Oyediran, Divine Olatidoye, Amanda Nene, Oluwafeyi Isikemi Enigbokan, Khadee Jah Oduyale, Daniel Olaosebikan, Victoria Olaosebikan, Ireoluwa Atolaoite Akinbohun, Gabriel Thompson and Glorious Thompson.
