Registration for 'Summer Arts @ the Museum' Program Now Available

May 17, 2007 -- "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 one or two two-week sessions and/or a one-week Advanced Academy. The program is open to rising 4th-12th graders and runs July 9-Aug. 10. An exhibition of student work will be on display at the museum Aug. 12-16 with a reception on Aug. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. Registration is open through July 1; students registered before June 1 receive a discount.

In Sessions I & II, students will explore art produced by different cultures by looking at two museum exhibitions: "Charlottesville Collects African American Art" and "In the Land of the Corn God: Mesoamerican Art." Participants will create individual and group artworks that contribute to the creation of imaginary cultures. Students will observe, explore and gain artistic skills through museum tours, presentations and studio concentration on techniques and materials. They will also pursue an elective at one of the program's Community Partner downtown locations featuring digital art (Computers4Kids), printmaking (Virginia Art of the Book Center) and music (Music Resource Center). Presentations by Academy Award-winning independent filmmaker Paul Wagner and a field trip to the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection will inspire elective projects.

The Advanced Academy is open to rising 6th-12th graders who want intensive studio time to create a small body of work (2-5 pieces).  The museum 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.

The program offers a limited number of scholarships for youth with financial need. Scholarship recipients will receive full tuition and the option of lunches. In June the program will notify recipients if transportation to and from the museum is available. 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, BAMA Works Fund, Virginia National Bank, Chi Phi Fraternity at the University of Virginia, Whole Foods and Cavalier Produce. The program's Community Partners include the Music Resource Center, Computers4Kids, Virginia Art of the Book Center and the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Center. 

For more information, or to register, contact Stacey Evans at (434) 243-2050 or email summerarts@virginia.edu. Information and registration forms also are available on the museum’s Web site:  www.virginia.edu/artmuseum/summerarts2007.

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