Free Youth Summer Art Camp in Glendale

The Arizona Commission on the Arts has a great idea for Glendale kids. Even if summer camp is a budget problem for your family, your kids can enjoy a camp experience at Glendale's Historic Sahuaro Ranch. It's Summer Art Camp--and it is free.

Children and teens from ages 6-18 can attend the unique Summer Art Camp in July 2007. Three four-day workshops, led by acclaimed Arizona artists, are being held in the Fruit Packing Shed on the Sahuaro Ranch grounds.

Week One: "The Handmade Book: Looking Inside and Out"
Carol Panaro-Smith is teaching "The Handmade Book: Looking Inside and Out" from July 9-12. Open to high school students, ages 14-18, teens can come to either the morning session (9 a.m.-noon) or to the afternoon session (1-4 p.m.). In this workshop, teens will be creating handbound books that will be worthy of their many talents. A different book will be created each day. Participants can choose for unusual handmade papers from around the world. There is time to decorate and personalize each book, making them unique for each individual.

Panaro-Smith is the Founder and Director of Alchemy Studio Workshops. She is a nationally-acclaimed artist whose work exists in many public and private collections throughout the country. She received an MFA from Arizona State University. Panaro-Smith has over 20 years of teaching experience, with a special emphasis in alternative photographic processes and mixed media.

Week Two: "Four Days of Folk Art and Storytelling"
Children will get glimpses of faraway lands during the July 16-19 sessions devoted to "Four Days of Folk Art and Storytelling," taught by Minnesota native Christy Peutz. Ages 6-9 will attend the morning session, scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon. Children ages 10-13 will participate from 1-4 p.m. Each day a different activity will be featured.

Day 1: Gourd Rattle. The rattle is one of the oldest musical instruments known to man and is used in cultures around the world. Learn about the Maya, Aztec and Inca cultures and symbolic designs from the Americas. Children will embellish their gourds with beads and images to create a unique musical instrument.

Day 2: Sand and Bead Mandalas. Mandalas are a symbol of the universe and its energy. Tibetan monks use colored sand to create storytelling imagery. Project participants will create their own colorful sand and bead image inspired by traditional mandalas.

Day 3: Japanese Koi Fish Windcatcher. The Koi fish is used as a symbol for strength and individualism. This class will discuss plant and animal symbolism, which is popular in many parts of Asia. Each child will construct and beautifully embellish a Koi fish-shaped windcatcher that can be hung inside or outside.

Day 4: Storytelling Box. There are many ways to tell stories-through singing and dancing, verbally, visually or in written form. The Storytelling Box is a uniquely embellished box that becomes a way to begin conversations, honor family members or keep track of personal dreams and accomplishments. Youths can bring copies of pictures from vacations, family members or even pets to personalize their boxes.

Puetz graduated from the University of North Dakota with a BFA. She focused in fiber arts, art history and printmaking. Her experience in creating and exhibiting her beaded sculptures across the country has led her to public art commissions and artist-in-residence opportunities.

Week Three: "Yourspace; Writing Workshop"
Essayist, playwright and comedian Tania Katan is presenting "Yourspace: Writing Workshop" from July 23-26. Ages 13-18 will attend class from 9 a.m.-noon.

Teens will create live stories based on real people. This workshop will allow students to access their own life experiences, observations and imaginations in order to write an inspired and inspiring personal essay or monologue. Participants can look forward to fun writing exercises, giggling and sharing stories.

Katan is an award-winning author and playwright. She is a theatrical performer, a teacher, a learner, a runner and a lover of bull terriers.

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Registration for these workshops is taken on a first-come, first served basis. Call Melinda Bergman at 623-930-3755 to insure a space or for more information. Specify morning or afternoon sessions. She can also be e-mailed at mbergman@glendaleaz.com. The Sahuaro Ranch Historical Area is located at 9802 N. 59th Avenue.