Youth arts programs get creative

Written by Staff Reports Wednesday, February 13, 2013 05:09 pm

CAPE MAY – The Center for Community Arts (CCA) has started its children’s art education programs for the winter/spring.

Paige Cunningham, of West Cape May, is teaching the theme “Animals in Art” for the popular Art at the Library program. This year-long art class for children ages 6-9 is held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in four locations: Sea Isle City on Mondays, Wildwood Crest on Tuesdays, Lower Township on Wednesdays, and Cape May on Thursdays. The class reads a book, discusses the illustrations and creates art inspired by the story. Many mediums are explored, including clay, pastels, paint, sculpture, charcoal.

“I try and provide a comfortable and fun atmosphere where the children will feel confident and safe to experiment with materials to express themselves through art,” Cunningham said. “Picture books and art are two of my favorite things in the world, so it’s been a pleasure to lead this class for the last seven years. I learn from the children I work with every day. We may all read the same book and use the same materials provided but every piece of art work is different and how each child approaches their art is different. It’s such a joy to be a part of this program.”

The YAP (Youth Arts Program) program is back from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays for children ages 10-14. Located in Cape May and Lower Township, the program is free and includes all art materials and dinner.

This winter/spring, children will be experimenting with the theme “Up-cycled Mixed Media Art.”

This year’s trip will be to the Philadelphia Magic Gardens. 

For more information about CCA and it youth arts programs, call 884-7525 or visit www.centerforcommunityarts.org.