Registration Open for 'Summer Arts @ the Museum' Program

May 7, 2008 — The University of Virginia Art Museum's "Summer Arts @ the Museum" provides the time and environment for young artists to explore and create art during the summer. This year, students are invited to sign up for two one-week regular sessions and/or a one-week Advanced Academy. The regular sessions are open to rising fourth- to 12th-graders, and run from July 7 through 11 and July 14 through 18. The Advanced Academy is open to rising sixth-  through 12th-graders and will be offered from July 21 through 25. An exhibition of student work will be on display at the University of Virginia Art Museum on July 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration closes July 1; students registered before June 1 receive a discount.

Session I & II students will develop a vocabulary for looking at and talking about art by exploring work in several summer exhibitions at the museum, including "Look Here: Speed," a visiting exhibition from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; and "John Toole: Itinerant Painter." Students will observe, explore and gain artistic skills through museum tours, presentations and studio concentration on techniques and materials. They will have the opportunity to use computers to develop dynamic compositions for large-scale outdoor paintings inspired by museum pieces. These works will be displayed temporarily in the community.

Students in the Advanced Academy will explore portraiture with photographer Stacey Evans, and gain experience with several alternative painting techniques, including fresco, encaustic and egg tempera with artist and Virginia Commonwealth University faculty member Rob Tarbell. The program's arts educators will guide students through conceptual thought processes and aid them in mastering skills to achieve their artistic goals.

Admission is by recommendation of art teachers, community leaders or mentors. University students will serve as teaching assistants and lead games and other activities throughout each session.

The program offers a limited number of scholarships for youth with financial need. Scholarship recipients will receive full tuition and the option of lunches. Art teachers, community leaders or mentors must recommend students for scholarships.

"Summer Arts @ the Museum" is made possible this year with the generous support of the
University of Virginia Art Museum; the Thomas L. Piper, Jr. Education Endowment; MSW Foundation; Chi Phi Fraternity at the University of Virginia; and Whole Foods. Community Partners include the Music Resource Center, Computers4kids, Virginia Art of the Book Center and the McGuffey Art Center.

For information or to register, contact Aimee Hunt, Summer Arts manager, at 434-243-2050 or e-mail summerarts@virginia.edu. Information and registration forms are also available on the museum's Web site, www.virginia.edu/artmuseum.

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