Kids can keep blissfully entertained this summer with a local art program that’s been running for nearly three decades.
It’s called Artful Kids this year (Youth Arts in past years) and it involves instruction from professional artists in the morning and crafts and games in the afternoon.
Six weeks of classes start July 8 and include painting, music, acting, puppetry and mask-making, cartooning and film. Parents can sign-up children aged six through 12 to enjoy half or full days, from 9 a.m.-noon and noon-3 p.m. However parents should inquire about the suitability of the courses for children under eight.
The fun happens at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville, and kids will also get to enjoy activities outside.
From July 8 through 12 painting classes with Norma Emerson will take place in the morning. In this class kids will explore the natural world with drawing pencils and paints, constructing projects from wood and creating elevation drawings.
From July 15 through 19 Kerri Coombs is teaching Music Box in the morning. Children will learn how to play a variety of instruments like the ukulele, keyboards and percussion, explore music skills and playing in groups.
Thea Stavroff, who is teaching a number of theatre classes in the area, will be leading Lights, Camera, Action in the morning from July 22 to the 26. Children will create a play as well as make props and costumes. Students will also put on a performance at the end of the week for family and friends.
Helen Bins will teach kids how to make masks and puppets in the mornings from July 29 to August 2. In this class they will work with clay, paints and crafting materials to make spirit masks, hand puppets and more.
In the morning classes from August 5 to 9 students will learn cartooning with Kelly Ulrich. Using pens, pencils and their imagination, kids will make their favourite characters come to life.
August 12 through 16 Kerri Coombs will lead a film-making class for the first half of the day. The students will write, film and possibly edit an original film.
The sessions cost $75 per week for a half day and $125 for a full week. For more information and to register call The MAC at 250-248-8185. Visit www.mcmillanartscentre.com for more information.