Photo by Skip Lawrence Young students pose for another photographer's photo with their art on display Saturday at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center Community Art room. From left, are Reindorph Dodoo, 11, Brionna Gaines, 11, William Lynn, 14, and Dakota Crosby, 13.

Fort Detrick's Child Youth and School Services began an arts program in the local military community about a year ago. A partnership with the arts center brought the kids' artwork from behind the military fortress into the Frederick community.

Being a part of the center has allowed the program to expand from drawings and paintings to printmaking and a 3-D element -- ceramics, said Taurean Washington, the program's founder and facilitator.

The youth exhibit is part of Frederick 's monthly Gallery Walk and is one of 12 events the center holds annually.

"We didn't have the equipment on base, so we partnered with the (center) and was able to expand the program," Washington said.

U.S. Army retiree John Niidodoo attended the kids' first public art display. His 11-year-old grandson, Reindorph Dodoo, participates in the program.

"I think exposing the kids to art is a good idea. Being a sportsman, I don't want to push him into sports alone," Niidodoo said. "I want him to develop his talents in other areas. This program helps."

Reindorph said he likes to draw.

"I want to do different kinds of drawings because I want to be an architect to design houses," Reindorph said. "It's really nice to have our drawings out here."

For Brionna Gaines, 11, the art program also teaches her art history, she said.

"I hope we get a chance to do this again," Brionna said. "Ever since I was a little kid, I thought I would learn more ways of drawing and learn art history."

Washington approached the arts center for assistance because there were no facilities on base to expand the program, said Rosemary Watson, the center's development manager.

"We decided it would be a good idea for the kids to come over and do some ceramics and printmaking, but nobody had any money," Watson said. "So I asked a donor for some funding, and SAIC (Science Applications International Corp.) sent us $1,000."

The partnership was possible with other assistance, Watson said. She hopes to have the kids' work on display again.

The program has been inspirational for many of the participants, Washington said.

"Initially, some would say, 'I'm not good enough,' but with a little effort they are surprised at the outcome," Washington said. "Art is so personal. It's a way of building their self-confidence."

The program also offers a good opportunity for the military and civilian communities to come together, Washington said.

Organizers said the art program would not be possible without support from these key players and contributors: Charmayne McClaine, SKIES Unlimited specialist; Sarah Higgins, the center's director of instruction; Watson; Diane Sibbison, exhibits manager; Jim Misner and Carol Spicer, art instructors; and Virginia Kane, outreach programs manager.