By: Rick A. Elina
Ask any kid what summertime means and the answer will invariably be the same. Summertime means fun time! The Art Centre of Plano is doing their part to see to it that a fun time is exactly what area youths will experience in their annual JumpStart for Art summer event.
Karis Jones, Exhibition and Event Coordinator, for The Art Centre of Plano, says, “JumpStart for Arts is a free summer program specifically designed for children who might not have the opportunity to attend a summer camp or an after school arts lesson. These children most often are from families with the greatest need. Through JumpStart we offer Art, Dance, Music and Drama to children 8 – 15 years old. This unique program is sponsored by a grant from the City of Plano.”
The majority of kids who attend this camp have not experienced a program like this. Many are only exposed to limited amounts of music and art through the public school system. This is the ArtCentre of Plano’s sixth summer to receive the grant and provide this amazing program to the deserving children in Plano.
Each summer the ArtCentre also chooses an exhibition to hang in the gallery specifically with children in mind. This summer the exhibition is sampler: Julio Suarez – a bright, colorful look at Julio’s world. His work is reminiscent of Matisse and Picasso and will be on display at the ArtCentre through August 16th.
The ArtCentre of Plano, Inc., formerly known as the Cultural Arts Council of Plano, Inc., was founded in 1981 as a private non-profit organization to promote growth and development of emerging community arts groups. The mission of The ArtCentre of Plano, Inc., is to encourage, support, and promote excellence, diversity, and vitality in the arts and arts education in the Greater Plano area.
To enroll in JumpStart or to find out more information please call 972-423-7809 or pick up an enrollment form at the ArtCentre of Plano located in the N.W. corner of Ave K and 15th in historic downtown.
JumpStart for Art Dates & Times:
1-5pm Monday – Friday
Session I – 10-12 yr olds June 23 – July 2
Session II – 8-9 yr olds July 7 – July 11
Session III 10-12 yr olds July 14 – July 18
Session IV 8-9 yr olds July 28 – Aug. 1
Session V – 13-15 yr olds Aug. 4 – Aug. 8
Rick A. Elina is a playwright based in Plano, Texas and is the Theatre Critic for the North Dallas Gazette.
