When Kenneth and D.D. Lecky decided to buy LibertyTown Arts Workshop of Fredericksburg in 2013, they had a vision for the place.

“It was a great business model, and it was working well,” D.D. says. “But more importantly, we saw a lot of growing potential.”

Not long after they purchased LibertyTown Arts, the Leckys expanded the art classes, developed their summer camp and created specialty pottery workshops. Today, the 13,000 square-foot building boasts 27 separate art studios, two classrooms and an art gallery.

But the workshop is not just a place for local artists to create and display their artwork. It is a community where young people and families can study, experience and practice art through classes, scavenger hunts and even art shows.

In addition to the annual summer camps, young aspiring artists can go to LibertyTown Arts to learn how to paint, sculpt and draw year round. They can expand their range of knowledge through pottery, knitting or even Chinese brush painting classes, all of which specifically cater to children, ages 2 to 16.

“What makes our classes so important is that they teach students for generations to come,” Kenneth says.

“It’s really exciting to see a kid take colors to a canvas and create something and express themselves in a way they may not be able to in other areas of their life,” D.D. adds.

At LibertyTown Arts, families can appreciate local artists’ work as they embark on a free scavenger hunt, which is based on the art gallery itself. The hunt encourages guests to wander through the gallery searching for items on the list. There is no time limit on the scavenger hunt, so families can take their time admiring the artwork.

To get young people even more involved, LibertyTown Arts also hosts a free annual art show called Feast for the Eyes where participants can create an edible piece of artwork for a chance to win a prize. The winner is chosen by popular vote; so even if students do not enter a piece in the art show, they can still admire the artwork and cast a vote for their favorite entry.

“I love watching kids create something on their own that they are really proud of,” D.D. says. “To see their sense of self-worth after creating something on their own is so great."