Research shows that creative outlets such as visual arts, theater or music can have a significant impact on mental health, including reducing anxiety and depression, improving mood and increasing serotonin levels. Specifically in kids, getting creative in any way allows for critical thinking skills to be used, social-emotional skills to be enhanced and motor skills to be refined.

Taking in any form of art helps young people think outside the box and research has shown that kids who engage in art are more likely to graduate.

The Plaza Arts Center is the perfect spot to get children involved in theater and the arts. At The Plaza pours into youth. Just this summer, The Plaza gave out over 10 scholarships for its summer camps; provided a free community concert, where families came out to see live music, and throughout the school year, The Plaza hosts an After School Art Program and Onstage Outreach, an after school theater program.

Onstage Outreach is put on in collaboration with The Arts Barn. Both programs are free for kids to participate. The Plaza also brings in outside theater groups, such as Lightwire Theater, to come in during the school day. This provides area schools to sign up for a time slot and bring their students in for a field trip. These field trip performances not only offer a way to get kids introduced to theater, but the performers also do a talk back with the kids so that they can learn more about what goes into each performance.

Whether its visual or performing arts, The Plaza Arts Center has something for the youth. This fall, The Plaza is hosting its first-ever golf tournament to support the youth. Golf is a big deal in the Lake Country and The Plaza is thrilled to be able to be a part of the golf culture. The sole purpose of the tournament is to raise money to support our youth programming.

The Plaza Classic will take place Oct. 18 at Reynolds Great Waters. The Plaza is currently looking for players, teams, raffle items and sponsors to be a part of the tournament.

If you are interested in giving back to the youth education The Plaza provides, please consider sponsoring a hole or playing in the tournament. The Plaza is also looking for raffle items for the Oct. 18 tournament. To donate a raffle item, call The Plaza at 706-923-1655, or stop by the office with the donated item.

For more information regarding The Plaza Classic, email moreinfo@theplazaartscenter.com or call The Plaza at 706-923-1655.