This summer, the eco-art opportunity returns to Confluence. The second year of the show promises more outdoor fun and artistic adventures. Confluence Creative Arts Centre will offer two outdoor day camps that combine arts and crafts with outdoor education. Participants will learn about the environment as they dig and shape clay, paint, and incorporate nature into a variety of projects.
more:Arts Center Hootenanny features comedy performances and music
more:Gas prices holding back your beach trip?Here are family ‘accommodation’ ideas near Somerset
more:What’s happening in and around Somerset
“These camps build on other community outreach we’ve done in the past, such as public art projects like the underpass mural,” Jody Best, owner of the Confluence Center for the Creative Arts, said in an email. “We love that children – especially local children – recognize that their artwork and participation can shape community. These camps are designed to be physically and financially accessible to children in the Confluence area, and we work hard to make programming accessible They get to experience interesting new things.”
The Eco Art Camp will engage young people in outdoor activities, including classes in plant identification, river and forest ecology, and wilderness observation skills. Led by seasoned arts educator and Pittsburgh-based environmental artist Ashley Kyber, the camp curriculum includes a variety of weather-friendly environmental art activities. Kyber’s experience in community gardening and the outdoor art of civic engagement promises to make classes meaningful and engaging for young participants. “The kids were totally engaged and excited about last summer’s camp,” Best said. “Their days are filled with making things, river play, outdoor art, games and music. This year, we’ll have new projects and activities and still have all the favorites like ‘Watermelon in the Water.'” Camp is open for 7 to 14 year-old student. Students may attend any or all summer camps Monday through Friday. Summer camps are funded by bursaries, and the cost of participation is family-friendly. Through a grant from the Allegheny Community Foundation, camp fees are $50/week/family. Registration forms and other information are available at [email protected] and local Confluence businesses.
“Camp registrations will be accepted until all vacancies are filled. Last year, we had a waiting list and all three-week camps were full,” Best said. “We encourage families to register early. Because the camp fee is only $50 per family, this camp is ideal for families with multiple children. To make camp accessible to all, if camp fees are a problem, we will provide families with Scholarship. “The first will be held June 27-July 1 and will focus on painting and “things with wings.” Campers will learn about birds and insects by building, painting and installing birdhouses, sculpting giant insects, and participating in a public art painting project that the town will enjoy for years to come. The 2nd Eco Art Camp is scheduled from July 5th to July 8th. Participants will learn how to mine clay to handcraft a variety of items from wind chimes to vases. Both camps will include time for river play, hiking, outdoor games and music. At the conclusion of the camp, the Confluence Center for the Creative Arts will host its annual Park Arts event on July 9th from 10am-3pm. This Saturday event is Confluence’s most popular event and is open to children and adults of all ages and abilities who live in or are visiting Confluence. “Art in the Park is a different event than Eco Art Camp, although we’re promoting it as another family event available for families this summer,” Best said. “Art in the Park is a community favorite because it provides an opportunity for people of all ages to circulate freely between art stations and spend as much time as possible making a variety of projects. We have A dedicated group of volunteers assists with art projects, and the day is filled with unstructured creative fun.” Everyone is welcome to make and create at the multiple art stations set up around the bandstand. Art in the Park is open to everyone, no pre-registration required. “
