Orange County Arts Council
Presents Free Virtual Arts Classes for Children 5-16
The Jarrett Markel Creativity Boot Camp
Beginning June 15, 2020
Orange County Arts Council presents, in partnership with the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, The Jarrett Markel Creativity Boot Camp, offering free virtual art classes for children ages 5-16, occurring three times per week for four weeks, beginning June 15, 2020. Each class will be a minimum of 1 – 1.5 hours long and offered on Zoom for live presentation. A recording of the class will be posted on Orange County Arts Council’s YouTube channel. Participating families will be required to register to participate for the live Zoom session.
“With so many kids unable to access camp or even visit their friends this summer, we thought we’d create a fun opportunity to develop their artistic skills,” said Sarah McKay, executive director of Orange County Arts Council. “Thanks to the generosity of the Jarrett Markel Foundation, we’re able to offer these classes for free. And with so many families facing unemployment, possible exposure to COVID-19, among other challenges, it seemed like a natural thing to do. We believe it is crucial for children’s creativity to be fostered and encouraged as it is a necessary part of a child’s development.”
“The NECSD is proud to partner and support this wonderful arts program for students,” said Lynda Keech, NECSD Director of Fine and Performing Arts.
“The Newburgh Armory Unity Center is proud to partner with the Orange County Arts Council to encourage children to augment the thriving creative community in the City of Newburgh and beyond,” added James McGee, Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s Chief Operating Officer.
The classes are led by teaching artists who will present age-appropriate lessons for students. During each live Zoom class, parents and children will have opportunities to ask questions, show their art work and engage with the art teacher at the end of the class. Don’t have art materials at home? Don’t worry! Free Art Supply Kits will be available for pickup at locations around Orange County. Pick-up locations include Newburgh Arts Supply and Mainframe Custom Framing in Middletown.
Classes include, “Spirit Animals” for ages 5-8, “Recycled Bird Feeders” for ages 8-12, “Nature Journals” for ages 12+ and “Van Gogh Art Lesson” for ages 12+.
Registration is necessary for participants. Links for the Jarrett Markel Creativity Boot Camp can be found at Orange County Arts Council’s website at www.ocartscouncil.org. Reservations will be made through EventBrite and Zoom invitations will be sent once registration is complete. Spanish translations of the recorded classes will be available on Orange County Arts Council’s youtube page for families to access.
For more information regarding the Jarrett Markel Creativity Boot Camp or to donate, please visit our website at www.ocartscouncil.org or email at info@ocartscouncil.org.