Art On The Square Arts League is hosting their annual art camp for children, in grades 1-6, on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, from 9 am -12 noon, at Big Spring Park, in the pavilion, in Athens. Space is limited to 40, so registration is required for this camp. The hands on learning experience is an opportunity for children to participate in a high quality art camp taught by local artists and art teachers. The children who have participated in the camps appreciate the creative enthusiasm and the take home projects associated with this annual educational endeavor. One of Art On The Square's missions is to promote art education, and the Summer children's art camp is fulfilling one piece of this mission. AOTS also provides the free Douthit KidsZone during the fine arts festival to be held this year in downtown Athens, on Sept.10. This children's art area provides the chance to experience hands on art projects throughout the one day festival that also hosts 50 fine artists selling their works under the trees around the Courthouse. 

Children participating in the 2010, Art On the Square Children's Art Camp. photo by Jill Burhans

Art for children is more than a nice entertaining way to spend time. Art stimulates both sides of the brain and allows children to develop hand eye coordination and to see multiple solutions toward acquiring a goal. Children who get art education are proven to have better scores in math and reading. They also learn to develop creative outlets for stressful situations.

This year's camp painting project will be of a dragon. Although the lesson will be presented in a specific way, the children are encouraged to have their own perspective and thus their own personal version of the dragon. All outcomes prove to be successful and the art produced is amazing. This allows children the opportunity to feel satisfaction in creating their own personal piece and the sense of pride associated with loving their work. Each child takes home two completed art projects. One project this year will be the acrylic painting on canvas board of the dragon and a completed mask project. Snacks are provided, and multiple volunteer teaching assistants are present to work with the children.

The class is $25 per child, and $20 for each additional sibling in the class.