Area parents looking to give their children a creative outlet over the school break need look no further than William Woods University.
The Mildred M. Cox Gallery and Gladys Woods Kemper Center for the Arts once again will host the Kemper Kids Summer Creativity Camp in July.
"It's an alternative to what's available in the community - you don't have to go to Columbia to go to art camp," said Jennifer Sain, gallery coordinator and program director. "We play games - board games, not video games - and we teach art lessons in a variety of mediums."
Campers ages 5-12 will have the opportunity to participate in two week-long sessions, running 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The first session, "Go Green, Get Messy" runs July 7-11 and includes creating art using recycled items as well as messy art like tie-dye and spray paint.
The second session, "Around the World" runs July 14-18.
"We're going to create art from around the world and learn about different cultures in customs in art, just kind of explore," Sain said.
Sain said her favorite part of camp each year is always Friday afternoon.
"I love Fridays because we have a special reception and exhibit, and the kids are so excited to show their friends and family members all the work they did throughout the week," Sain said.
According to the press release, classes will be taught by WWU alumni and local teachers Stephanie Strother and Corey Blackburn, assisted by William Woods art education students Samantha DeBrodie and Jennifer Martin, and graphic design student Jasmine Meurer.
The registration deadline for Summer Creativity Camp is June 11. According to a press release, the fee for each session is $155 and includes all arts and crafts materials, a camp T-shirt, snacks and drinks. William Woods employees receive a 15 percent discount. Anyone signed up and paid in full for both sessions by June 11 will receive a pre-pay discount of $20.
For more information, contact Sain at (573) 592-4245 or [email protected].
Sain said she would encourage local parents to get their children signed up for one or both sessions.
"The kids aren't sitting around playing video games, they're using their hands and they're creating things and learning new ideas, stirring their imaginations," she said. "It's just a lot of fun, it's non-stop fun."
Katherine Cummins can be reached at (573) 826-2418 or [email protected].