Children ages 5 through 8 are invited to take part in a one week summer art camp to be held next month through the St. Andrews College art department. Led by art department Professor Stephanie McDavid, the class is designed to expose children to unique materials in an artistic environment they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.

"I adore watching children of all ages work with unfamiliar materials for the first time," McDavid said. "It's fascinating to see what they can do, and to watch their talent evolve as they make fantastic things. I love to see their development."

A faculty member at St. Andrews since 1992, McDavid was named chair of the Liberal and Creative Arts department at the college in 2009. She teaches two and three dimensional design, drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and more to students of all ages.

"I have done innumerable art camps for both children and for adults over the years, and I love to teach," McDavid said. "I thought it would be a good thing to offer an art camp geared toward children in this very harmonious age group; the art department at St. Andrews agreed, and we are now prepared to host a week of ceramics, prints, paintings, sculptures and more on the St. Andrews campus from June 21 through June 25."

McDavid became interested in resuming summer art camp after her 6 year old daughter began kindergarten at Covington Street Elementary School in Laurinburg. Her teacher, Leigh Carter, invited McDavid to work with the class on art projects as time allowed.

"Helping my daughter and the other students in class got me excited about teaching this age group all over again," McDavid said. "I thought, 'Wouldn't it be great to teach some of the things I'm doing here at Covington Street to kids for a week at St. Andrews?' The school was happy to let me do this at my 'home base', the art studio on campus, and I am looking forward to the experience."

Classes will be held from 9 a.m. until noon daily. Registration is $80 per child and includes all materials. Upon completing registration, McDavid will contact parents with additional information, including directions, scheduling, and suggested clothing for the young artists.

"We're going to get messy," McDavid said with a laugh. "I will ask the parents to dress their kids in play clothes or smocks to keep their regular clothes clean."

The week will end with a brief showing of the students' work for parents to view and take home.

"Please register early to insure your child's spot at camp," McDavid said. "We are limited to 25 students, and while there are still some spots open, it will be filling

fast."

McDavid said campers can expect to have fun in a supportive, interactive environment.

"I'm hoping the kids will have a great time interacting with both the artistic materials and with each other," she said. "I am also looking forward to exposing them to the grown up space of an actual art studio, which I think they will find inspiring. I know this will be fun for me, and I hope the children will enjoy their time in a creative and productive atmosphere."

To register, contact McDavid at 277-5257. The registration deadline is June 16.