Children make an artsy splash at summer camp

By BRUCE WALTON

bwalton@vindy.com

VILLA MARIA, PA.

Children in the Southside Fine Arts Academy were ready to throw their paint in a bombardment of vibrant colors against rocks in front of a large blank canvas.

That was just one of many creative activities provided at the Summer at the Villa day camp Tuesday.

Kris Harper, executive director and academy founder, leads the day camp that offers classes in creative writing, singing, painting and music.

The academy also has made efforts to introduce children to the arts by bringing in a list of notable community guests such as Harambee of Youngstown and the Opera Western Reserve and going on field trips to places such as the Butler Institute of American Art. The academy’s mission: “To inspire, to empower and transform.”

“What I’m trying to do is just expose them to as much as I possibly can to the arts,” Harper said. “It’s on a wing and a prayer that we keep going.”

Harper said he’s always tried to prevent the academy from charging families. The academy relies on grants, loans and donations. He said he wants to ensure no child would miss the opportunity to experience the arts because of costs.

The summer program, which is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., started June 5 and ends Aug. 15. A usual day starts with “dancing mindfulness,” where children can be more comfortable with their bodies without judgment. They then have outdoor activities and visual-arts activities. They end the day with yoga.

Liberty Ross, 5, is an academy member and loves painting with her favorite colors – green and pink.

“I like to do all the fun stuff we have at the arts academy,” Liberty said.

The academy has 10 staffers caring for the 25 children, who range in age from kindergarten to sixth grade, as well as two sisters from Villa Maria. They also have five teen helpers.

This is the first time Villa Maria has hosted the academy. Sister Joanne Gardner, one of the sisters helping out, said she’s happy about the partnership the academy has with the Villa Maria.

“It gives us a chance to share the natural beauty of the Villa in ways that promote creative activities and the arts, writing, drawing, painting and music,” she said. “You can see the joy on their faces when they do it.”

The academy operates year-round. For information, contact Harper at 330-540-8589 or email him at kharper71459@gmail.com