Pablo Picasso said that every child is an artist. The Jacksonville Center in Floyd has a host of upcoming opportunities to help kids exercise their innate creative talents.

The Jax’s Kids Art Camp will be held during the week of Aug. 2 – 6. Participating kids will stretch their imaginations with activities including:

·        Handbuilding and wheelthrowing pottery with Jayn Avery
·        Comic book drawing with Katherine Devine
·        Painting and drawing with Erin Coffin
·        Beading with Mara Robbins
·        Polymer clay sculpting with Teri Walters
·        Leather working with Jeff Eubank

The center’s artisan instructors will guide them through morning and afternoon sessions, including exercise breaks in-between. The camp will conclude with a mini-exhibit of the student work, to be held during the First Friday reception on Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Snacks and refreshments will be provided, though participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. Space is limited and registration ends on July 26.

Starting first, though, are weekly art opportunities for kids. Afternoon Art at the Jax will be held on Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. starting July 29. During the first session, participating kids will work with Lore Deighan, making two-dimensional summer art. Techniques to be explored include texturizing with plant matter, pressing, rubbing, sketching and more.

Kids ages 4 to 8 are invited to experience an array of arts and crafts for only $10 per class when registering in advance. Walk-ins are welcome and will pay only $12; a 4-week preregistration can be purchased for only $35. Parent participation is welcome, but not required.

For more information on any creative learning programming, visit www.jacksonvillecenter.org or contact the center at education@jacksonvillecenter.org or 540.745.2784.