FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 2/11/10
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
www.macicehouse.org

Press contact only: Mary Hott
340-258-2300

YOUTH ART CLASSES EXPAND - INCLUDE ECOLOGY AND VIDEO

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ----A full roster of six classes marks the spring 
semester of the Ice House School of the Arts youth activities produced 
by the Morgan Arts Council (MAC) in Berkeley Springs. Classes are 
aimed at all ages from five year olds to teens. "We're developing a 
new concept of progressive art classes that work towards a 
certification in a particular medium," says Mary Hott, MAC's Executive 
Director. "This will not prevent any youth from taking only a single 
class however."

Of the three classes that begin in February, two are visual arts with 
an ecology theme. "We work hard at connecting the arts with 
environmental concerns," says Hott. Eco-Focused Watercolor Fun 
begins on February 16 and extends through March 23. The class is for 
five to eight year olds and meets every Tuesday. Taught by Jenny 
Landis, the class has students using microscopes to observe the 
natural world including stream life and then teaches them the artistic 
skills to interpret what they see in watercolors. Friday classes in 
papermaking taught by Jane Ping begin on February 19 and continue 
through March 26. Ping uses recycled materials in making paper and
then will use the paper in a printmaking class scheduled for April. 
Art resulting from both classes will be displayed to parents and 
public on March 26.

Anthony Bellissimo guides the students in Music Video Sessions 
beginning on February 22 and extending every Monday through April 19. 
"Our most exciting February class is aimed at teens," says Hott. 
"The kids will be learning to make a music video using local teen 
bands -- or they'll be the bands in the videos," says Hott. "We're
also inviting adult bands to come and have a video made so we can use 
the results online as part of MAC's Music Census project." Cameras
are available for the students to use if they do not have their 
own. On April 23, a showcase is planned to broadcast all the videos 
done in last fall's as well as the spring 2010 class.

Acting classes for younger children and teens are scheduled for March.

Homeschooled and out-of-district children are welcome in the program.

All classes are taught from 3:30 to 5pm at the Ice House and are 
served by the late bus from appropriate Morgan County schools. 
Parents are required to pick up their children.

Funding for classes is provided in part by the National Endowment for 
he Arts, WV Commission on the Arts, WV Statewide Afterschool Network, 
Ecolab and Morgan County School Board. Scholarships are available.
Call 3040-258-2300 to register or check online at www.macicehouse.org 
and www.facebook.com/artscouncil.