Atlanta Public Library Announces Fourth Annual Arts Discovery Camp

[May 12, 2016]  ATLANTA - The Atlanta Public Library will kick off its exciting summer programming on June 20 with the fourth annual Arts Discovery Camp. Running from 9am to noon five days a week, the Arts Discovery Camp will offer participants an immersion experience in music, theater and visual arts. The camp is open to children who have finished 1st through 5th grade. The registration deadline is June 15.

Led by Youth Committee members Mary Sunday and Jayne Kindred, Visual Arts Week runs from June 20-25 and will conclude with a public show of participants’ work. Participants will hear stories of well-known artists; learn about techniques and materials used by these artists; and create their own original work based on what they learn. At the end of the week, students will display their work in a public art show at the Library at 6:30 p.m.

During Theatre Week, which runs from June 27-July 1, children will work with Illinois Wesleyan theatre artist Jean Kerr and other teaching artists to adapt an original story into a dramatic script (this year it’s a mystery!); make props and costumes; explore basics of stage movement, dialogue and vocal projection; and create an adapted script for performance. There will be a public performance on Friday, July 1 at 11 a.m.

Music Week runs from July 11-15 and will be led by New Yorker and Tony Award-nominated actor, singer and dancer, Robert Lupone. Lupone has starred on Broadway, as well as in film and television. He is the founder of the Off-Broadway theatre company, MCC Theatre. The week will encompass music, acting and dance. No musical training is required for participation. On Friday, students will perform their work for a public audience.

Registration is required for the Arts Discovery Camp, and registrations must be completed by June, 2014. The cost is $25.00 per week for the first child in a family, and $15.00 per week for each additional child.

Last year’s camp sold out quickly, and it is important to register as soon as possible in order to reserve a space. Contact the Library (217-648-2112) or send an email to [e-mail] to request a registration form.

The Arts Discovery Camp is sponsored by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.

[Catherine Maciariello]