Jasmine Edwards concentrated as she played the violin during Artscape's showcase.

"I really enjoyed getting back to the violin, since I haven't played it since school let out," the 13-year-old said. "It gave us something else to do here at the club, and it was chance for me to share something I love to do."

Jasmine, who has played the violin for five years, was among those participating in Artscape at the Boys and Girls Club of Augusta: E.W. Hagler unit. The camp was also held at the Dogwood Terrace unit.

The two-week camp, sponsored by the Greater Augusta Arts Council, offers children instruction in dance, choral singing, instrumental music and visual arts.

Each year, the showcase that ends the camp seems to get better, said Scott Richardson, instrumental instructor.

"This year, I met students who already had a lot of experience in music from their home schools or they have attended the camp several times," he said. "So this year they took their performance to the next level. I'm really pleased how it came together."

Keishaun Johnson, 11, enjoyed learning how to play the violin.

"It was more fun than I thought it would be," he said. "I want to become better. It's different, but really cool."

Alexandria Smith, 13, enjoyed learning about visual arts.

"I like doing crafts and creating things," she said. "I learned new techniques, and it was very educational."

During the showcase Friday, children displayed what they learned in front of their instructors, family and the Boys and Girl Club's staff.

Joe Davis, the unit's director, was impressed with how much the children learned with just 30 hours of instruction over the two weeks.

"When they first started, there were some kids coming up to me saying that they couldn't do it," he said. "After their performance, it was the complete opposite. They were proud of what they accomplished, and they know they can do it.

''I really think the instructors opened up their eyes to the arts and possibly opened the door to a dream."

Other instructors were Nancy Bookhart, visual arts; Karen Gordon, vocal; and Havalyn Raeuber, dance and movement.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.