Free after school art program resumes in September
Published 8:00 am Thursday, August 21, 2014
Each Thursday of the month from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m., different age groups of children will be given art instruction and enjoy painting, drawing, weaving and many other craft activities at the Plaza Arts Center. “We will begin the After School Art on September 4, 2014,” said Nancy Marshall, a retired teacher and volunteer for the program. “We have primary grades K-2 coming the first and second Thursdays of the month so we can work with smaller groups of our youngest students. Elementary grades 3-5 come on the third Thursday, and Middle School students come on the fourth Thursday of the month.”
After School Art is open to Putnam County, Gatewood, Lake Oconee Academy students and children who are home schooled. We can accommodate 40-50 students at each session.
Families must register for After School Art. Forms are at area schools, libraries and The Plaza Arts Center. Students attending Putnam County Schools ride the school bus from school, and a family member must pick them up at 5:15 p.m. at the Plaza, 305 N. Madison Ave., Eatonton. Children attending other schools must be transported to and from the program by family members.
“Most of the volunteers for the program are retired teachers or folks who love arts and crafts and especially, love working with children,” said Linda Elkins, a long-standing volunteer with this and other programs at the Plaza Arts Center. “We meet to plan activities for the different age groups with which we are working. The key to success is to have plenty of helping hands to keep the children engaged and creative.”
“The children have a snack when they arrive at 3:15 and then begin on the projects for the day,” said Rick Espelage, another volunteer, who with his wife Kate, have assisted since the program began in January. “We are always looking for additional volunteers to help. You don’t have to be an artist. If you can make pop corn or clean paint brushes, we can use your help on a regular or occasional basis.”
After School Art is free to families, but it is supported by Putnam Arts and the Papa Theater groups at the Plaza.
“When you become a member of the Plaza, take a photography or art class or attend a performance by the Putnam Alliance for the Performing Arts, you are helping to support After School Art and other community outreach programs we sponsor,” said Janet Kelhoffer, chairman of Putnam Arts. “We are very crowded in our present facilities. This is why we are working towards being able to use additional space in the building behind the Plaza. EPAF envisions a community enrichment center to serve people of all ages in our community.”