SERVANT LEADERS of The Village

We are looking forward to better days ahead! Before we go, we must honor those who once served The Village and now remain with us in spirit. We are grateful for the following Servant Leaders who provided services to The Village or provided a “room in the inn” for our programming services.
We love you, we bless you, and as we look back, we will never forget what you have done for The Village.

As I teach painting, drawing, and basic design through emphasis on a combination of technique and creativity, my students become engaged, and recognize that hard work and practice produce the masterpieces of their creative minds. My professional art career has provided opportunities to exhibit extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Those relationships and familiarity with museum curators, professional artists, gallery owners, and academics allowed me to expose my students to the wider art world, and to encourage connections through internships and apprenticeships. Only a small percentage of the learning process occurs within the classroom or can be gained from textbooks. The greater proportion occurs as we interact with the forces in our environment—experiential learning. Based on that belief, I encourage my students to explore the fine arts for possible career choices while they broaden their scope by looking at professions affiliated with the arts:  teaching (college, high school, and elementary level), graphic design and its commercial applications, and museum and gallery services.

My successes as an artist demonstrate to my students that a career in art is attainable. I emphasize the importance of creative experimentation. Finally, I help my students to understand the importance of resisting the temptation to produce work solely for sale and to avoid compromising the artistic principles by which individual artists develop their body of work. My years of teaching have established a mastery of various academic subjects in Arts Humanities. 

Delsarte, the visionary in the creation of the “Camp Village Circle of Life” mural with University of Southern California student Intern, Domia Edwards, and The Village student artists. The mural was inspired by the students’ interpretation of what the Camp Village, Inc. Production of Disney’s Lion King Experience meant to them. 

Anna Mitchell, Daisha Hawes, Jacari Hawes, Jaylen Walker, Messiah Watts, Dorthea Marie Meyers II, Cameron Mitchell, Freedom Archie, Autumn Cooler, Akil Russell Jr., LaNijeah Smith, with the guidance of Mrs. Jea Delsarte, wife, and supporter of The Village.

CAMP VILLAGE ‘S CIRCLE OF LIFE, 2018

Ms. T loved to teach.  When we launched Camp Village, Inc., in the summer of 2002, we searched for the best and most gifted who loved to teach.  Ms. T was the one. She was born to teach.  Her energy, passion, and compassion in teaching children and youth was the embodiment of her existence while in The Village for over 10 years.  

A few memories of Ms. T in action….

Dr. Powell, A Morehouse Man, was truly a “Living Legend” who was honored by countless organizations for “lifetime achievement,” “distinguished service,” “life service,” and “trailblazing” recognitions.  He was also noted for his many barrier-breaking “firsts.” He was the first practicing Optometrist, and the first African American appointed to the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health.  He was the charter member of the Development Authority of Fulton County and served over 41 years, including 12 years as the Executive Director.  In 2018, he was recognized by Camp Village, Inc. with the “I Was Here” Humanitarian Award because of his service as Advisor to The Village, a major sponsor, and his attempt to assist The Village with the acquisition of its own facilities.  A little more time was needed to accomplish this dream.  In 2019, he published, “C. Clayton Powell and the Real Atlanta – A Memoir and a Tribute to Those Who Made it Happen.” His legacy and service, we will never forget.

These Servant Leaders are gone, but they will live forever in The Village.