Whether discovering and developing their skills in dance, music or visual art, Art Mark Class Coordinator Kure MacDonald has a single hope for kids who attend The Hernando County Fine Arts Council’s new summer educational program, Art Mark. “We want to help them make their mark on the arts,” she said.
The first series of Art Mark classes, running June 1 through Aug. 26, will include three courses: Dance, Visual Arts, and the World of Music. Classes will run in 6-week, 3-week, and 4-week sessions, respectively. Students will also have the option to pay for single classes on a drop-in basis, $10 per class and a one time registration. Classes are available to students ages 5 to 18 years.
Art Mark is presented in partnership with Florida Adventure Coast and Stage West Playhouse. “We are excited to partner with these entities to bring classes to both the Brooksville and Spring Hill areas for the entire county to enjoy,” said Allisa Babor, Media Contact of the Hernando County Arts Council.
Brooksville classes will take place at the Welcome Center (205 E Fort Dade Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601) and Spring Hill classes will be conducted at Stage West Playhouse (8390 Forest Oaks Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34606). “Art Mark is a summer program dedicated to providing children in our community with classes covering various disciplines taught by inspiring teachers at an affordable price,” said Babor.
Art Mark kicks off with Learn to Dance June 1-July 6. Learn to Dance is a 6-week program of one-hour classes teaching tap, ballet, jazz, acro, and combo. The program will culminate with an end-of-course parent presentation. The 6-week course will cost $75 including registration. “This is a really great interactive class,” said MacDonald. “You can best learn to dance through dancing.”
Learn Visual Arts will run July 12-29, offering 3 weeks of 1 and 2 hour classes that feature drawing, painting and primary art. This course will include an end of course parent presentation. The 3-week class package will cost $35 for Elementary students and $45 for middle and high school students, including registration. “The visual arts class was among our most requested,” said MacDonald. “Students will create projects that they can take home and show their families.”
The World of Music class will be conducted Aug. 2-26, and will be comprised of 4 weeks of 1 hour classes. This class will teach jazz, musicals, classics, and world of music, and will include an end-of-course parent presentation. The 4 week package will cost $55 including registration. “This is all about interpreting different kinds of music,” said MacDonald. “Music from around the world.”
Art Mark, according to MacDonald, is all about introducing young people to the experience of the arts. “We want to bring more culture to kids, and to the community,” she said.
As a performing arts fan and practitioner whose children share her interests, MacDonald felt inspired to create a summer performing arts course. One that she hopes will itself inspire future arts council courses, along with a whole new generation of performing artists in Hernando County. “These classes will allow kids to try different types of art, to see what they like,” she explained. “Then they can push forward to pursue their art, finding the balance that the arts can bring to every child’s life.” By making their mark, said MacDonald, these kids are also singing, dancing and painting their way into the future. “Art Mark is a stepping stone.”
To register or to learn about the classes including details on lessons, schedules, teachers, and more, visit https://www.hernandoarts.org/art-mark. For questions regarding registration, call Art Mark Class Coordinator Kure MacDonald at 813-390-6290 or email [email protected].
