With many local schools cutting art programs, the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center in Richmond city provides an alternative after school activity.
By Amy Via
On Friday evenings, beginning in late April and running for three weeks, the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center in Richmond has a children’s art program available called Kids Only POP-In.
Shaunn Casselle is the facilitator for the program, which provides extra-curricular art activities outside of school.
The program was developed to allow children to be creative without having to register and commit to the activities.
“It’s an opportunity to be an introductory program, in case you find out, ‘well maybe my kid doesn’t really like art,’” said Casselle.
There are numerous activities to choose from, including crafts, painting, drawing and pottery work. Children can come alone, or bring their parents along to help with the activities.
Veena Luthra has been bringing her son, Max Murphy, to Pine Camp for four months for a Saturday art class called Art Fun 101, but this month is their first time coming to POP-In.
Max attends a private school where he has art classes two times a week. But, the pop-in program is an inexpensive activity he can do after school.
And, in Luthra’s opinion, the more art a child is exposed to, the more it can benefit them.
“I think [art] improves concentration and creativity, and a sense of accomplishment once you’ve finished a work,” said Luthra.
Traci Johnson brings her daughter, Shanthi Bhagat, 6, to the POP-In activities regularly. Shanthi actually enjoys the program so much that she keeps up with when each new season will start.
Shanthi attends a public school, and also takes art classes, but Johnson began involving her daughter in the art programs because Shanthi expressed interest in them.
“I let her tell me. If she wants to come here, she keeps track of when it starts and when it ends,” said Johnson.
Johnson also thinks art benefits children, whether it’s improving academic performance in school or boosting their confidence.
“I think it helps her in school…[she says] she has high self esteem. Just letting them be creative and knowing that they have something special about them,” said Johnson.
In addition to being a creative outlet, another benefit about the pop-in program is that it’s very affordable.
Casselle said that many residents around Pine Camp want their children exposed to art, but can’t afford typical art class tuition. The pop-in activities carry a $1 studio fee, plus the cost of the activity, which is $5 and under.
The flexible scheduling of the Pine Camp art programs has been a success within the greater Richmond community.
“I’ve never really gotten any negative feedback,” said Casselle.
(-Pine Camp Program Guide)
(-Richmond City Public Schools)
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