The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC) will be sponsoring four classes through the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department.

Thanks to financial support from NCAC, the fee for two of the classes will be $20, and the fee for the other two classes is $25. This initiative is a continuation of the goals of HealingNewtown, which the commission phased out in October.

Two classes of Drawing Mixed Media, to be held at Newtown Middle School, and Ballet Barre Workout and Broadway Tap, both at The Graceful Planet, will be the inaugural offerings of the Cultural Commission’s programming outreach.

Susan Jackson, director of Paint, Draw & More, will lead the Drawing Mixed Media classes, with separate sessions for ages 5-8 and 9-13.

The younger class (Activity 201599A, $20 for the full series) will meet from 4:30 to 5:30 pm Wednesdays, January 14 to February 18, at Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street.

The younger artists will be taught how to build an image vocabulary, and develop problem solving skills through the medium of art. Drawing fundamentals like shape, contour, design, color and medium are progressively used each week, so that children can create new and varied works of art they can be proud of and excited to share.

The group for older children (Activity 201600A, $20) will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, also Wednesdays, January 14 to February 18. The classes for older children and teens are designed to build on each young artist’s knowledge of drawing, with Ms Jackson teaching technical skills as each child develops their unique style.

The advanced drawing class will provide a variety of drawing mediums, or children can choose to bring their own. Student are encouraged to work in black and white or color — whichever best achieves their vision. Students are asked to bring a sketchbook to class, but it is not mandatory.  

Ann Scaia, who trained and performed with Washington Ballet and American Ballet Theater, will lead Ballet Barre Workout (Activity 208408A, $25 for the series) on Mondays, January 26 to March 9 at The Graceful Planet, 7 Berkshire Road. Sessions will be 60 minutes each, beginning at 7:30 pm.

Participants will lengthen and strengthen with this workout, which is open to ages 13 and up. No experience is necessary. Dance attire and ballet shoes are requested.

Beginner Broadway Tap, also being offered at The Graceful Planet, will be led by Erin Loucks. One hour sessions will begin at 5:30 pm, Wednesdays, January 28 to March 11 (Activity 208409A, $25; no class February 18).

Ms Loucks has appeared in various professional musicals including 42nd Street and The Producers in New York and Los Angeles. She is also a professional choreographer, and has choreographed numerous musicals.

Dance attire and tap shoes are necessary for this class.

For information and registration, call 203-270-4340 or visit http://www.newtown-ct.gov/public_documents/NewtownCT_Park/registration.