Natchez Council for Arts and Culture is co-hosting with Co-Lin Community College a unique and exciting art program this summer for children ages 6 to 12.

Summer Art Camp will be June 23 – 27. We will be working with artists who love to give children the thrill of learning about the creative part of themselves.

You are encouraged to understand that art is not just a talent for those who have this gift. It is an expression of exercises that actually change the way we see, feel, taste and behave.

I believe that some learning disabilities are directly linked to a lack of artistic expression inside our own selves. The greatest surprise that I have discovered for myself, is that drawing has become my new love.

I signed up for an art class because I felt sorry for the teacher; never thinking that I would become a believer. Calming my nervous system was an unexpected side effect. I can attest that I see shapes, colors, and images in new ways as I learn to draw them. I am hooked.

This is an inspiring opportunity for children to have fun while being creative; to find their own levels of self-expression with guidance and direction from trained professional instructors.

All are artists in their own right.

Our hand picked teachers include:

Loraine C. Griffin — acrylic painting, Salongo Lee — print making, Leon Hollis — papier mache, Debra McNeal — fabric art, Shae Jones — mask making, Cassandra Gales — pointillism, Marina Cavette — perspective drawing.

Registration is $75 for eight hours of instruction (four two hour classes).

All supplies are included. Please contact Beth Richard at Willie Mae Dunn Library at Co-Lin at 601-466-1163 or send an e-mail to beth.richard@colin.edu to receive your registration form and information.

Forms and fees must be returned by June 13 to hold your spot. Class sizes are limited.

Please register early. Scholarships are available.

Hedy K. BOELTE is the president of the Natchez Council for Arts and Culture.