Community Arts Academy Expands Summer Offerings for Kids

The School of Arts and Humanities is expanding its repertoire of classes for children this summer through its Community Arts Academy (CAA). In addition to the Summer Music Institute for middle- and high schoolers, the CAA is offering visual arts, writing, and theater courses that encourage students from toddlers to teens to tap into their creative side.

Designed by Buffalo State faculty, CAA classes and workshops are researched-based and provide students with engaging hands-on experiences rooted in the most contemporary pedagogical approaches. Classes are taught by faculty, graduates, and advanced student interns teaching faculty supervision. 

Visual Arts

Exploring Artistic Expression
Designed for students entering kindergarten through fifth grade, this course is intended to enhance creativity through guided, open-ended questioning, independent student exploration, and individual-skills development. The course will be held July 11–15 in Upton Hall 404 and includes morning-only (9:00 a.m. to noon) and all-day (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) options. Tuition is $149 for the half day and $219 for the full day. The instructor is Kaitlin Bethge, a graduate student who holds a bachelor’s degree in art education from Buffalo State. Register.

Introduction to Spatial Drawing
Offered by the Interior Design Department, this course is open to students entering grades 7 through 12 who are interested in architecture and interior design. It will provide a foundation of drawing skills, while helping students understand how to see and investigate space. The course will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, June 27 through July 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Upton Hall 205. Tuition is $149 for the six classes. Darcy Engle, who holds a BFA in interior design from Buffalo State, is the instructor. Register.

Writing and Performance

Creative Writing for Children
In this one-week course, children ages 5 to 12 will create three original books: a pop-up, a comic book, and book of poetry. Each piece will mimic the style and design of a popular children’s publication that will be discussed in great detail throughout the duration of the course. The works created in this course will be considered for potential publication on the web. The course runs August 8–12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 208. Cost is $249. Natalie Haid, adjunct professor of English, who is a doctoral candidate at the University at Buffalo, is the instructor. Register.

EmPOWERment in Writing and Performance Art
Students entering grades 6 through 12 will construct individual and collaborative writing and performance pieces inspired by personal interests and daily walking field trips. Activities and workshops will focus on the theme of empowerment—leading students on a journey toward developing life skills including writing, public speaking, teamwork, and creative thinking. Course will be held July 11–15 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 208. Cost is $249. Instructors are Aimee Levesque, lecturer of English and executive and artistic director of Inclusive Theater of WNY, and Julie O’Connor-Colvin, lecturer of English and an American studies doctoral candidate at Michigan State University. Register.

Musical Theater Camp
Students entering grades 7 through 12 have the chance to work with theater professionals including Buffalo State faculty in a camp held August 1–5 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building’s Flexible Theater. Students will learn how to combine singing, dancing, and acting and will present a performance for friends and family on August 5. Tuition is $275. The instructor is Jennifer Toohey, assistant professor of theater. Register.

Full payment is required at registration for all camps. If the CAA cancels a program, a full refund will be issued within 30 days. To see all details on all the courses, visit the CAA website. For more information on payment or registration for music programs, call the Music Department at (716) 878-6401. For all other programs, call (716) 878-6326.