CSA Offers Arts Camp

And Folk Dance Workshop

  STORRS — The Community School of the Arts (CSA) at the University of Connecticut is hosting a special Vacation Arts Camp for students age 6-12 and a Festive Folk Dance Workshop for girls age 9-12 during the Newtown district’s school vacation April 19 through April 23. Both programs will be held at UConn’s Depot campus in Mansfield.

  CSA’s faculty of professional artists, certified teachers, and UConn instructors have developed Vacation Arts Camp classes where students can explore a wide variety of media and activities. Fenton River Gallery owner and professional artist Shauna Shane will guide students through drawing and sculpture activities while potter Heather Bunnell will help students make inspired clay creations on the pottery wheel. Participants in the Vacation Arts Camp will also explore jewelry making and textile arts, as well as enjoy field trips to local museums.

During the Festive Folk Dance Workshop, Mara Morris will guide girls through folk dances to celebrate spring and the rites of passage for girls and maidens. The workshop will explore dances from many cultures including Greek, Bulgarian, Armenian, Romania (Gypsy), French, and Hungarian. On Friday, April 23, at 5 pm, participants will give a short performance for friends and family, followed by a group dance for all. Mara Morris is a Master Teaching Artist with the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, and has taught in the United States, Paris, and Malaysia.

   Half-day and whole-day registration options are available for the Vacation Arts Camp, as well as early and late drop off and pickup options. A half-day registration is $30 per day (9 am to noon or 1 to 4 pm) and whole day registration is $50 per day (9 am to 4 pm). Vacation Arts Camp students may participate for the entire week or individual days. Students staying the whole day should bring a lunch. The Festive Folk Dance Workshop is held from 1 pm to 4 pm and students must register for the full-week. The Vacation Arts Camp may be combined with the Festive Folk Dance Workshop for full day discounts. Space is limited, so early registration is advised. To register or for more information, call the Community School of the Arts at 860-486-1073 or visit www.continuingstudies.uconn.edu/csa.