Here at the North Central Louisiana Arts Council we have some amazing member artists who are busy sharing their skills this summer. If you’re looking for some fun art-related activities for your children, check out these opportunities!
Allie Bennett of Stitchville is holding Kids’ Camps, with fun projects planned, such as cupcake pincushions, beginning crochet and more. Her established camp dates are full, but she’ll hold a camp with just three students….so find two friends and give her a call! Camps are generally held Monday-Friday, 9:30-12:30. The number for Stitchville is (318)255-6446; this cute yarn and fabric shop is located at 207 North Trenton inside Fine Line Art Supply. Owner Allie Bennett is a seasoned teacher, having taught art camps for NCLAC, as well as Drama Warehouse, our drama and literacy workshop. In addition to these summer classes, Allie holds after-school classes throughout the year.
Next we have Brush Hour, taught by artist Christiane Drieling. Christiane teaches art at Montessori School of Ruston, and also exhibits and sells her beautiful items at NCLAC’s Holiday Arts Tour and ARToberfest. Her art class program, called Brush Hour, has classes scheduled through August. First up is Playtime, for children 8 and up, July 8-12, Monday through Friday, 1-4 pm. Students will learn how to build a marionette from wood parts and fabric and discover how to play it. They will also build a small stage and props from cardboard. Finally, students will write short scripts together and perform them. Paint something, for children 10 and up, July 15-19, Monday through Friday, 1-4 pm. Participants can choose their projects – jewelry boxes, picture frames, chalk boards –and get to know the process from preparing the unfinished item to detailed decorative painting. Depending on their individual skill level, Christiane will teach them how to paint simple yet effective repetitive patterns, and how to translate and incorporate their own icons and symbols. Milk and Eggs, for children 6 and up, July 22-26, Monday through Friday, 1-4 pm. Christiane will show students how to transform the most common package materials into masks and crowns, flower bouquets and birdhouses, and even a pirate ship! Back to School, for children 10 and up, July 29 – August 2, Monday through Friday, 1-4 pm Get back into the mood with cute sewing projects for school. Students will discover the relaxing effect of sewing by hand while making book covers, little pouches, and a pencil roll. As they go, they will learn a variety of decorative stitches and how to make appliqués. To register for Brush Hour classes, call Christiane at (318)255-7422 or send an email to christiane.drieling@gmail.com
NCLAC's own Summer Arts Camps are still going on as well, with openings remaining for the Jonesboro camp and the Homer Super Saturday camp. The Jonesboro camp, $65, will be held July 8-13 from 9am-noon, with classes in 2D, 3D and drama. The Homer Super Saturday camp, $20, will be held July 27 from 9-noon. Students will have classes in visual 
art and drama. These camps are for students entering 2nd-7th grades. Call our office to register at (318)255-1450.