Summer is finally upon us, and it is time for SAAC’s Virtual Summer Camps to begin!
The South Arkansas Arts Center announced in May this year’s summer camps will all be held online, and all children are welcome to join in on the free fun and learning via computer, table, or smartphone. Many of SAAC’s Arts Academy teachers will be available through a series of virtual class videos that students can complete on their own schedule and at their own pace.
The first virtual class will be taught by SAAC’s graphic arts teacher Mike Means, and begins today, June 1.
“All of the projects in my portion of SAAC’s Summer Camp series will be a combination of art and science,” Means said. “The projects will be fun ways of talking about specific themes like engineering, design, graphics, and three-dimensional art. My projects will be design plus form and function. Art and design are everywhere… let’s have fun in the process.”
Originally from Fayetteville, Ark., Means started out as a draftsman and proceeded to the University of Arkansas seeking an architecture degree. Fate stepped in, and he was pointed in another direction: graphic arts. After studying for 2 years at the University of Arkansas, he took on another adventure by joining the United States Navy.
He spent almost 10 years as a “draftsman/illustrator” for the Navy. After leaving the service, he worked as a graphic designer for several companies including International Paper in Camden. Still remained in the field of graphic design, Means now runs his own business, teaches at SAAC and does freelance design work.
“Although I work in many mediums, I love to draw.” said Means. “I currently specialize in digital creations. Working primarily in Adobe Photoshop, I have been leading classes at the South Arkansas Arts Center that show kids the fun in painting and drawing on the computer.”
Students can continue to register for camp throughout the summer. By registering, SAAC will be able to keep their family informed of new camp announcements and program updates.
Students can enjoy summer camp at any time; the camp videos will remain available, so campers may complete their projects at their own pace. Each instructor will include a supply list of materials and all the information needed to complete the projects in their videos.
The SAAC teachers are all looking forward to a fun summer of art with the community’s children.The illustrious and talented group of artists who will be leading online camps throughout the summer include Means, Maria Villegas, Jorge Villegas, Katie Harwell, Stephanie Lowrey, Cami Lowrey, Elizabeth Wood and Jacob George. More information and dates of specific classes are forthcoming.
Visit saac-arts.org to access the summer camp videos or register a student. For more information, call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474. SAAC is located at 110 E. 5th St. in El Dorado.