Music, Visualized

NCLAC is excited to partner with Louisiana Tech's MFA program on a new series of Arts Academy classes. These classes will be taught by 3rd year MFA candidates, promoted by 2nd year candidates, and assisted by 1st year candidates. This is a wonderful opportunity for these Masters students to work with a nonprofit in the community, to continue their teaching experience, and to create unique class opportunities for both children and adults.  The series will kick off with Matthew Knopps' class titled Visual Rhythm, as described below by Mary Dunn. The class requires pre-registration and class size is very limited due to the nature of the process.

Come be a part of Ruston’s arts and culture community! NCLAC is partnering with Louisiana Tech’s MFA program to present Visual Rhythm, a workshop combining public, collaborative art with music. Led by MFA candidate Matthew Knopps, workshop participants will create an original art installation to be displayed in the new Percussive Arts Institute of Ruston (PAIR) just in time for this fall’s Holiday Arts Tour. The workshop will take place on November 9, 2013, from 9am–4pm at the Dixie Center for the Arts, and will focus on principles like variety, unity and repetition.

Teams of one adult and one child age 10–16 are encouraged to sign up soon, because space is limited! The fee ($20 for non-NCLAC members; $15 for members) covers all materials and a snack, but bring a sack lunch. Register now by calling (318) 255-1450 or emailing nclac5@gmail.com.

This is a wonderful opportunity for creative parents and kids to work together to make an art piece that will be on exhibit during NCLAC's 16th annual Holiday Arts Tour in downtown Ruston. The dates for the Tour are November 21-24.

Melanie Douthit - Featured Artist for January 2012 at Ouachita River Art Gallery

NCLAC members Melanie Douthit from West Monroe, Louisiana will be the featured artist during the month of January at Ouachita River Art Gallery. Her show, "Secret Garden" showcases vibrant acrylic floral paintings with a bit of whimsy. There will be a reception on Saturday, January 7 from 2 to 4 PM so you may meet the artist and discuss her works. Melanie completed her first oil painting in her late teens and since then she has ventured into watercolor, pen and ink, conte crayon, colored pencil, acrylic and paper collage creations.She’s studied under Clauda Nice, Marlene Gremillion, Ronnie Barnes, M. Douglas Walton,Sharon Teel Bennett, and Margaret Ellerman. She started selling her original art online in 2000 and has sold paintings to collectors in all fifty states, France, Greece, England and other various countries across the globe. Her “Mardi Gras Dachshund” paintings hang nationwide in over 30 Mimi’s Café Restaurants, and remains one of her most collected scenes. Her current creations depict French Quarter architectural art, colorful florals and whimsical collage pieces.From 2006-2010, Melanie expanded her creativity by working within the paper craft industry. She worked on the design teams for scrapbook manufacturing companies (Flair Designs, Dream Street Papers, Paper Salon, and Piggy Tales) creating scrapbook pages, cards and altered items for promotional use. She has sold her designs and articles to various leading craft publications including Crafts n Things, PaperCrafts Magazine, Cards, and Just Cards. Since becoming involved in the paper craft industry, she started merging both of her loves - paper and paint, and many of her paintings combine both of those loves. Melanie has exhibited her art work in various Northeast Louisiana exhibits including the 102A Bistro in Ruston, and most recently, Art With A View. Her work as been in galleries in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Arkansas.. She currently has art at the Great Artists Collective Gallery on Royal Street in New Orleans, LA, as well as locally at Brazzell and Co.Home, and The Ouachita River Art Gallery where she is a juried member. You can see more of her work at www.melaniedouthit.com

OUACHITA RIVER ART GUILD GALLERY A NON PROFIT CO-OP OF LOCAL ARTISTS 308 TRENTON ST., WEST MONROE, LA 71291 318-322-2380 www.ouachitariverartgallery.com Voted “Best Art Gallery”, Delta Style Magazine

Education Happenings: Make a "Me" Moment

During recent holiday celebrations, the topic turned to alone time, or "me" time. As an only child, I grew up with much alone time, which I loved and still do. As a parent of two, however, I don't often get alone time anymore, and sometimes I even count time at work as alone time...which I think should be illegal. Nonetheless, I realize that I need to have some time for myself. It's not going to magically appear, so I have to make it happen. As I'm thinking about 2011 and preparing for 2012, with more "me" time in mind, my thoughts turn to education. I recently touted crossword puzzles and reading as daily habits that keep my dad super sharp. What am I doing to keep myself sharp? When Nicole Duet taught her Color and Composition Workshop for NCLAC in the fall, I took the class. I was a college student for many years, but this class was my first in quite some time. It was perfect! I had something new to think about and practice, I met a diverse group of adults with similar interests, and I did it for myself. It was a great use of my time.

As a mom of young children, I know firsthand that parents often do special activities for their children and forget to do the same for themselves. As NCLAC's Educational Coordinator, I know that we offer similar "special activities" for adults through our Arts Academy classes.

In January, Dr. Cain Budds from Louisiana Tech University will be teaching 3 guitar classes for NCLAC's Arts Academy. On January 14, there will be Beginning Guitar Theory, Jazz Up the Blues on January 21, and Finger-Style Guitar on January 28. Each class is 2 hours and the cost is $25 for NCLAC members, $30 for non-members. These 1-day classes may be just the "me" time that you need. To register, give me a call at the office, 255-1450, or send an email to nclac5@gmail.com

Education Happenings: Winter Arts Academy

There are many opportunities for artistic enrichment this winter through our Arts Academy classes. We have classes for teens, young children and adults, so check them out below and give us a call at (318)255-1450 to register! For Teens: Comic Book Workshop If hearing "I'm bored" isn't on your favorites list, register your teen for NCLAC's 2-day Comic Book Workshop. The class will be held during the Christmas break, December 27 and 28, from 8:30am-3:30pm. This teen class, for those ages 13-18, will explore the design and creation of a comic book, discussing both story and execution. The workshop will be taught by Joshua Chambers, an area artist as well as a Gifted and Talented art teacher for the Ouachita Parish school system. The 2-day class fee is $60 for NCLAC members, $70 for non-members. The workshop will be held at the Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 North Vienna, on both Tuesday and Wednesday. A daily snack and all supplies are provided with the class fee. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Be sure to bring a sack lunch.

For Kids: Household Printmaking What will your kids be doing after Christmas during their school break? NCLAC Arts Academy is offering Household Printmaking with Executive Director Leigh Anne Chambers, on Thursday, December 29, from 8:30am - 3:30pm. Children ages 6-12 will be introduced to printmaking techniques, such as glue-line printing, that can easily be executed at home with on-hand materials. The class fee is $35 for NCLAC members, $45 for non-members. All supplies and a snack are included. The class will be held at the Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 North Vienna in Ruston. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Bring a sack lunch.

Petite Players Petite Players is back for winter! This 3-day class shows you're never too small to put on a show. For kids 6-12, your player will act, design, and write her own play! The class will be taught by Theatre Educator and NCLAC Executive Director, Leigh Anne Chambers. The 3-part class is $40 for NCLAC members, $50 for non-members. All supplies are included. It will be held 3 Saturdays in January (January 14, 21, and 28) from 9am - 12pm, at the Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 North Vienna in Ruston. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.

For Adults: Beginning Guitar Theory Would you like to better your understanding of basic music theory? NCLAC Arts Academy for Adults proudly presents Beginning Guitar Theory with Dr. Cain Budds. Dr. Budds, Assistant Professor of Guitar and Music Theory at Louisiana Tech, will teach the 2-hour class, Saturday, January 14, from 10am - 12pm. The only requirements are a guitar and a desire to increase your knowledge of music theory. You can play with confidence when you understand the rhyme and reason behind what you're playing. The cost for the 1-day class is $25 for NCLAC members and $30 for non-members. Space is limited in order to provide personal instruction, and pre-registration is required. The class is offered to those 16 through adult, and will be held at Howard Recital Hall on the campus of Louisiana Tech University.

Jazz Up the Blues NCLAC Arts Academy for Adults offers Jazz Up the Blues, taught by Dr. Cain Budds. Dr. Budds will teach the 2-hour class, Saturday, January 21, from 10am - 12pm. The only requirements are a guitar and the desire to liven up your blues jams. The cost for the 1-day class is $25 for NCLAC members and $30 for non-members. Space is limited in order to provide personal instruction, and pre-registration is required. The class is offered to those 16 through adult and will be held at Howard Recital Hall on the campus of Louisiana Tech University.

Finger-Style Guitar Brush up your guitar chops, or try something completely new! NCLAC Arts Academy for Adults is happy to offer Finger-Style Guitar, taught by Dr. Cain Budds. Dr. Budds will teach the 2-hour class, Saturday, January 28, from 10am - 12pm. The only requirements are a guitar and a desire to learn finger-style, which is a perfect complement for chords your may already know. The cost for the 1-day class is $25 for NCLAC members and $30 for non-members. Space is limited in order to provide personal instruction, and pre-registration is required. The class is offered to those 16 through adult and will be held at Howard Recital Hall on the campus of Louisiana Tech University.

Arts Academy classes are part of NCLAC's educational outreach. NCLAC believes the visual, performing and literary arts are a necessary enhancement for all individuals and seeks to enrich the region by fostering opportunities for creative expression.

NCLAC is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal agency.

Art Talk Monday

The North Central Louisiana Arts Council announces three exciting and very different opportunities for November.  These workshops are part of NCLAC goal to expand our hands on artistic classes to the residents of Lincoln parish and our surrounding communities.  We strive to provide a variety to encourage those of all skill levels and interests to participate.  On Saturday, November 5, and Saturday, November 12^th , from 10am - 12pm Dr. Cain Budds will be offering a  Finger-Style Guitar workshop for adults.  The workshop will be held at the Howard Center Recital Hall on the Louisiana Tech campus. The cost for the 2-day workshop is $50 for NCLAC members and $60 for non-members. Space is limited in order to provide personal instruction, so be sure to register today. The only requirements are a guitar and a desire to learn finger-style, which is a perfect complement for chords you may already know.

Dr. Budds received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in classical guitar performance at Arizona State University and received his Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Illinois State University. He is currently Assistant Professor of Guitar and Music Theory as well as Head of the String Area at Louisiana Tech University where he heads a vibrant guitar studio.  According to Frank Koonce at

On Saturday, November 12^th, from 10-12pm Meg Waters will be teaching a class about Gustav Klimt for kids 6-12 years old.   This one day workshop will be $15 for NCLAC members and $20 for non-members.  They will study the usage of line, color and pattern to make collages. 

Meg Waters, an avid arts volunteer and advocate, graduated from Park University in Kansas, MO with Bachelors of Arts in Interior Design.  She had done various workshops for kids and has previously taught in NCLAC Summer Arts Camps. 

On Friday, November 18^th regional artists M. Douglas Walton would like to invite you to a lecture and demonstration of design at his residence in Ruston, Louisiana.  This ticketed event ($30) includes a lecture, demonstration, home & grounds tour, and a small painting.  Two times are available 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm due to space NCLAC is selling a limited number of tickets.

M. Douglas Walton is a nationally recognized water media painter who has taught over 350 workshops in 22 states, and has studied with noted watercolorists Edgar Whitney, Robert E. Wood, and Milford Zornes. In addition Walton is a noted collector of artifacts and artwork from around the world.  Since 1978 he has lead multiple “Journeys” to over 20 different countries.  During this four hour encounter Walton will explore the idea of interior design and artwork from a unique perspective inviting individuals to experience the one of kind design of his home, ground, and studio as an example.

To register for any of these workshops please call 318-255-1450 or email us at nclac5@gmail.com.  To learn more about NCLAC and their programming visit www.nclarts.org or http://nclac.wordpress.com.

Education Happenings: Color & Composition, Gourd Painting

October is National Arts and Humanities Month! This Saturday NCLAC's Arts Academy for Adults has two opportunities for you.  Nicole Duet will be teaching a two-day Color & Composition Workshop in the morning, and Geri Taylor will be teaching Gourd Painting in the afternoon. The Color and Composition Workshop will be held both this Saturday (Oct. 22) and next Saturday (Oct. 29) from 9am - 12noon. Nicole Duet will offer even seasoned painters a fresh look at the study of color theory. The class will be divided into two sections:  color awareness, and  composition fundamentals. The class fee is $30 for NCLAC members, $35 for non-members. Supplies are not included, so call or email for the supply list.

Geri Taylor will demonstrate how to design and paint on beautiful, sculptural gourds in this one-day Gourd Painting class.  The technique is perfect for this time of year, and it will certainly add to your ideas for holiday decor. The fee for the one-day class is $35 for NCLAC members, $40 for non-members. The class fee will cover all supplies needed for the class, including gourds and paint. This class will be held from 2pm - 4:30pm.

Both classes require pre-registration, so call or email us today: (318)255-1450, nclac5@gmail.com

Arts Academy for Adults: Color and Composition Workshop

"The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color." Hans Hoffman

In honor of National Arts and Humanities Month, NCLAC Arts Academy is proud to offer a new adult class at a discounted rate. Nicole Duet's Color and Composition Workshop will offer even seasoned painters a fresh look at the study of color theory. The class will meet on Saturday, October 22 and Saturday, October 27, from 9:00am to 12:00pm. The fee for the two-day class is $30 for NCLAC members, and $35 for non-members.

This hands-on workshop is a color intensive divided into two parts. In the first half students build their color awareness through the practice of mixing. Secondary benefits include learning to mix with intention and getting the most variety out of a limited palette.
The second half focuses on an introduction to fundamentals of composition. Students will complete a small painting while studying basic principles of color harmony. Course includes slide lectures, personalized attention, and instructor demonstrations.

Nicole Duet is a New Orleans native who has recently returned from southern California to become an Asst. Professor at LA Tech School of Art. Nicole has given color workshops and classes throughout Los Angeles including both California State University Northridge and Long Beach, and for the animator's union at the American Animation Institute of Los Angeles. You can see her work at www.nicoleduet.com.

Pre-registration required. Call 255-1450 or email nclac5@gmail.com. Call for supply list.

Adult Arts Academy classes are part of NCLAC's educational outreach. NCLAC believes the visual, performing and literary arts are a necessary enhancement for all individuals and seeks to enrich the region by fostering opportunities for creative expression.

NCLAC is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal agency.

Arts Academy: Little Masters

NCLAC Arts Academy presents a brand new class, perfect for budding artists. Little Masters is a fun mix of art history and art making for children ages 6-10. Each Saturday, your child will learn about an artist, then create a personal masterpiece in that artist's style! Local artist and NCLAC staff member, Russell Pirkle, will be teaching the class. Pirkle holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from Louisiana Tech University, and is currently enrolled in the English Education Master's Degree program. Pirkle has chosen four fascinating artists for the class: Jackson Pollock, Georgia O'Keeffe, Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondrian.

Little Masters will meet from 10am - 12pm on Saturdays: October 8, 15, and 22 and 29. The fee is $60 for NCLAC members, $80 for non-members. Supplies will be provided. Space is limited for this exciting, hands-on class, so register today! Call 255-1450, or email us at nclac5@gmail.com

Little Masters is part of NCLAC’s Arts Academy MARK programming, Making Art Reach Kids. NCLAC offers educational programming in order to encourage creative expression in our youth.We believe that the visual, performing and literary arts are a necessary enhancement for all individuals.

Here are some examples of the artists who will be explored in the Little Masters class:

Puppetry Workshop

Parents, the Columbus Day school holiday is right around the corner. What will your children be doing while you're working? Where will they go? Have them join NCLAC Arts Academy for a magical Columbus Day, full of historical discovery and the age-old art of traditional puppet-making!

This class is for children ages 6-11. It will be held Monday, October 10, from 8:30am - 3:30pm at the Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 North Vienna. The fee is $35 for NCLAC members, $45 for non-members. Bring a sack lunch; supplies and snack will be provided. Class will be taught by Theatre Instructor Leigh Anne Chambers.

Spaces are limited so call 255-1450 or email nclac5@gmail.com to register today!!

Supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal agency.

Education Happenings: Petite Players

This weekend begins the new season of Arts Academy classes. Petite Players, directed by Theatre Educator Leigh Anne Chambers, will be an exploration of melodrama. Participants will learn about the history of melodrama, then write and star in their own performance! From silent movies to Dudley Do-Right, freedictionary.com defines melodrama as "a drama, such as a play, film, or television program, characterized by exaggerated emotions, stereotypical characters, and interpersonal conflicts." This class will be loads of fun, perfect for the budding performers in your life.

There's still time to register by calling 255-1450.

The class is for 6 - 11 year olds and will be held each Saturday, Sept. 10 - Oct. 1, from 9 am - 12 pm, at the Dixie Center for the Arts. The fee is $40 for NCLAC members, $60 for non-members.

Arts Academy Schedule of Classes

Our fall and winter lineup of Arts Academy classes is here! We have a variety of classes offered for children of all ages.All classes require pre-registration, and two are beginning this weekend! Call NCLAC at 255-1450 or email us at nclac5@gmail.com to get signed up!

Petite Players STARTING SATURDAY SEPT 10TH! Ages 6-11 Petite Players shows you’re never too small to put on a show. Your player will act, design, and write their own play!! Taught by Theatre Educator Leigh Anne Chambers. - Saturdays in September ( 10, 17, 24 & Oct 1) from 9am – 12pm - $40 for NCLAC members, $60 for non-members; supplies included - Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 North Vienna, Ruston, LA

The Book Review: Workshop for Young Adults STARTING THIS SATURDAY! Ages 12-18 Love to get lost in a book? Dream of being published? Then this workshop is for you! Lead by columnist Russell Pirkle, each participant will read a work of fiction, write a review and have it published in the Ruston Daily Leader. - Saturdays in September (3, 10, 17, 24) from 10 - 11:30am - $30; book is included - Crescent City Coffee, 1007 North Trenton, Ruston, LA

Puppetry Workshop Ages 6-12 Sail into a magical Columbus Day, full of historical discovery and the age-old art of traditional puppet-making! - Columbus Day holiday, Monday, October 10, from 8:30am – 3:30pm - $35 for NCLAC members, $45 for non-members - Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 North Vienna, Ruston, LA - Bring a sack lunch; supplies and snack are provided

Little Masters Ages 6-9 Prepare to be impressed by the talent of your little master! Each Saturday your child will learn about a new artist and produce their own masterpiece. - Saturdays in October (1, 8, 15, 22) from 10am – 12pm - Cost: $60 for NCLAC members, $80 for non-members; supplies provided - contact NCLAC office for location information

Sprout Sunday All Ages Join us for this exciting Sunday during NCLAC’s Holiday Arts Tour. Local professional artists will be doing live demonstrations and projects for kids of all ages! - Sunday, November 20 - Free - various locations throughout Ruston

Scenes for Teens Ages 13-18 This all-day workshop will focus on auditions and scene prep work. Each participant will walk away with the skills needed to get their foot into the “stage door”! - President's Day school holiday, Monday, February 20, from 8:30am - 3:30pm - Cost: $35 for NCLAC members, $45 for non-members; supplies provided - Dixie Center for the Arts, 212 North Vienna, Ruston, LA

Arts Academy: The Book Review

Enjoy reading? Like to write? Dream of being published?Join The Book Review: Workshop for Young Adults!

NCLAC Arts Academy presents its first “writing skills” workshop, facilitated by Russell Pirkle. Pirkle is in the English Education Masters program at Louisiana Tech University, and is a graduate of LA Tech’s Studio Art program.

The Book Review is a reading and writing workshop where participants each read a recently published teen fiction book, then discuss and write a review that will be published in the Ruston Daily Leader. Reading concepts including evaluation, interpretation, genre, and style will be addressed, as will writing skills such as pre-writing, rhetorical devices, and audience consideration.

The Book Review: Workshop for Young Adults will be held for 4 Saturdays: September 3, September 10 and September 17, September 24. Meeting time is from 10-11:30am, at Crescent City Coffee, located at 1007 North Trenton Street, Ruston, LA. The class is open to high school students.

Pre-registration is required, in addition to the class fee of $30. All materials are included. Please call 255-1450 to register, or email NCLAC at nclac5@gmail.com.

Books to be included in this session of The Book Review: Beauty Queens by Libba Bray Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore Dark Territory by J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel Divergent by Veronica Roth Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

Spots Still Open in our Teen Guitar Workshop!!

Brush-up on your guitar chops this summer with NCLAC Academy’s new Beginning Guitar Workshops taught by Dr. Cain Budds. Dr. Budds, received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in classical guitar performance at Arizona State University and

received his Bachelor and Master's degrees from Illinois State University. He is currently Assistant Professor of Guitar and Music Theory as well as Head of the String Area at Louisiana Tech University where he heads a vibrant guitar studio.

According to Frank Koonce at Arizona State, “Cain Budds is a talented and versatile guitarist, a fine performer and a gifted and caring teacher.”

Dr. Budds will teach a workshop for  teens. Which will be held at the Louisiana Tech University, Howard Center Recital Hall, which is located on campus, north of W. California Ave. on Adams Blvd.  The class will be held Tuesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 28 from 10am to 12pm.

Guitars will be provided. Finger-style is a perfect complement for chords you may already know. Cost for the 2-day workshops is $50 for NCLAC members and $60 for non-members.

NCLAC Academy helps us better fulfill our mission by benefiting artists and the community alike. Academy classes and workshops not only offer more opportunities for professional artists to earn income through their passion, they also offer opportunities for all ages to expand their horizons, whether simply for pleasure or to learn valuable skills.

For more information about NCLAC Academy classes or to register, call 255-1450 or email nclac5@gmail.com. Space is limited in order to provide attentive instruction, so be sure to register today.

SAC Encounter

The Summer Arts Camp season is humming along, with 4 camps behind us, and 2 still to come. Today I'm sharing photos of our Ruston 2 campers on their first day of camp, working diligently on their art projects. This week's location is at the Lincoln Parish Library, and we are so grateful for the donation of space in their new Events Center. In Ashley's Feagin's 3D class, the students made Tall Hats. Many thanks to our local Super One Grocery for the donation of the paper bags for creating the hats!

Josh Chamber's 2D class worked on Art Aprons, learning how to use stencils and experiment with surface decoration.

There are still 2 camps available for registration: Arcadia=July 18-22, and Jonesboro=July 25-29. Call us at 255-1450 to register today. Come join the fun before the summer ends!

Learn Finger-Style Guitar in NCLAC's Academy Workshops

Brush-up on your guitar chops this summer with NCLAC Academy’s new Beginning Guitar Workshops taught by Dr. Cain Budds. Dr. Budds, received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in classical guitar performance at Arizona State University and received his Bachelor and Master's degrees from Illinois State University. He is currently Assistant Professor of Guitar and Music Theory as well as Head of the String Area at Louisiana Tech University where he heads a vibrant guitar studio.

According to Frank Koonce at Arizona State, “Cain Budds is a talented and versatile guitarist, a fine performer and a gifted and caring teacher.”

Dr. Budds will teach two workshops, one for adults and one for teens. Both will be held at the Louisiana Tech University, Howard Center Recital Hall, which is located on campus, north of W. California Ave. on Adams Blvd. The adult class will be held Saturday, July 16 and Saturday, July 23, from 9am to 11am. The teen class will be held Tuesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 28 from 10am to 12pm.

The only requirements are a guitar and a desire to learn finger-style. Finger-style is a perfect complement for chords you may already know. Cost for the 2-day workshops is $50 for NCLAC members and $60 for non-members.

NCLAC Academy helps us better fulfill our mission by benefiting artists and the community alike. Academy classes and workshops not only offer more opportunities for professional artists to earn income through their passion, they also offer opportunities for all ages to expand their horizons, whether simply for pleasure or to learn valuable skills.

For more information about NCLAC Academy classes or to register, call 255-1450 or email nclac5@gmail.com. Space is limited in order to provide attentive instruction, so be sure to register today.

SAC Encounter

Summer Arts Camp season begins in 1 week! Each Tuesday I've been introducing you to our camp teachers, but today since we are 1 week away, I'd like to give you a taste of some of the projects our teachers will be coordinating. In Homer, June 20-24, students will be creating an Underwater Mural and Tall Hats. Students at the first Ruston camp, June 27-July 1, will be making Mixed Media Robots and Modern Art Pinwheels. Origami and Solar Art Prints will be included at the Farmerville camp, July 4-8. The Ruston 2 camp, July 11-15, will include You Are What You Eat, and an exploration of Japanese Theatre with our very own Leigh Anne Chambers. Arcadia campers, July 18-22, will make Magazine Bowls and Puppets. The season will end in Jonesboro, July 25-29, with the creation of Klimt-style paintings and a 3D Ferris Wheel.

Sounds like a fun summer, right?  Come join us! Call (318) 255-1450 to register by phone, or download the Registration Form PDF in the My Shared Files Box at the bottom of your screen and mail it in. Each camp is $60, Monday - Friday, 9am - 12pm, with a $10 8am morning yoga option.

SAC Encounter

We are almost there! Only 2 weeks till the start of our 2011 Summer Arts Camp season! Today's featured teacher is Heather Cregut. Some of you may know her as an Earth Science teacher at Webster Junior High School, but she also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts. Heather is a California native who has spent her adult life in Ruston. Her household is usually busy, with a dog, cat, iguana and fish as roommates.

Heather is a creator; she paints, makes jewelry, sews, cooks and gardens. She has some amazing projects planned for our campers in Jonesboro, including a Klimt project with beautifully patterned paper and metallic paint. Matisse will also be discussed, with a fun cut-out activity fashioned in his style.

Our Ruston 1 camp is already full, with only a couple spaces left in the Ruston 2 camp, so don't delay in taking care of your registration! The camps in Homer, Farmerville, Arcadia and Jonesboro still have room, so find a friend and make the short drive together. You're children will love the personal attention given to them at our smaller camps.Call us at (318)255-1450 or download the registration form available in the My Shared Files box at the bottom of your screen.

SAC Encounter

Allie Bennet is our star teacher in today's SAC Encounter. Allie will be teaching Drama and early morning yoga classes for many of our camps this summer. Allie has theatre experience in both the US and Germany, acting in many shows including Sleeping Beauty and I Remember Mama. Allie's theatre credentials also include costuming, having designed and constructed shows such as Seussical the Musical, Alice in Wonderland and A Few Good Men.

Allie taught for NCLAC's Summer Arts Camps last year, and she just completed our Drama Warehouse workshop, where she instructed children and parents in Bernice on theatre fundamentals. Allie is the owner of Stitchville, downtown Ruston's new fabric and yarn shop, where she holds children's summer camps, and adult sewing and knitting classes.

Our camps are filling up, with only a few spaces left at the Ruston 1 Camp (June 27-July 1) so be sure to register now! Call us at 255-1450, or download the registration PDF in the "My Shared Files" box at the bottom of your screen. Camps begin in 3 weeks!

SAC Encounter

We are only 4 weeks away from our 2011 Summer Arts Camps! Today's featured teacher, Josh Chambers, has great projects planned for the 2D class at the Ruston 2 camp, to be held July 11-15, at the Lincoln Parish Library. Some of his activities include Monster Paintings, You Are What You Eat, and Constructed Memories, an exciting recycled materials diorama project.

Josh received his MFA from Louisiana Tech, and has had work included in several publications including New American Paintings and Studio Visit Magazine. He is both a local artist and the Curator of Education and Public Programs for the Masur Museum of Art in Monroe, LA.

Camps are filling up quickly, so be sure to pre-register. Call us at (318)255-1450, or download the Registration PDF in the Shared Files box at the bottom of your screen.

SAC Encounter

Nick Bustamante is this week's featured Summer Arts Camps teacher. Nick is a familiar face for NCLAC: he teaches every summer in our 2D classes. This year he'll be at our Homer and Ruston 1 camps, prepared with exciting new projects including mixed media robots and an underwater mural. Nick is both an art educator and a professional working artist. He is an Associate Professor of Studio Art at Louisiana Tech, and he has an active national showing record. Some of his recent exhibitions include There's No Place Like..., in Tennessee, and Small Works Exhibition in California.

Be sure to pre-register for camp in order to guarantee your child's spot. Call us at (318)255-1450 or download our Registration PDF at the bottom of your screen.

The dates/locations are as follows:

June 20-24       Homer               Homer City Hall

June 27-July1  Ruston1             Lincoln Parish Library

July4-8              Farmerville       Assembly of God

July 11-15          Ruston2             Lincoln Parish Library

July 18-22         Arcadia              United Methodist

July 25-29         Jonesboro         United Methodist