Children’s Art Classes Offered at TAMIU

Encourage the budding artist in your child with art classes taught at Texas A&M International University this Fall. Registration is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 21 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA), room 219.

Registration is $60 per month or $170 if paid in full in advance for the entire semester. There is also a $5 discount for each additional sibling. There is also an additional non-refundable $30 fee for materials and supplies.

All classes meet from 4:30–6 p.m. Children in first and second grade will meet Mondays, third through fifth graders will meet Tuesdays and sixth through 12th graders will meet Wednesdays.

“These 12-week visual art classes are offered to first through 12 grade students and led by Kimberly Walton, with assistance from TAMIU students from the College of Arts and Sciences’ department of Fine and Performing Arts. It is ideal for children who have an interest in art at any level. Participants can improve or learn technical skills and explore abstract art forms,” said Bede Leyendecker, chair, department of Fine and Performing Arts.

A native of South Carolina, Walton received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Winthrop University and has lived in Laredo since 2003. As a professional artist and art educator, she has been active in the arts community as a studio art instructor at TAMIU and children’s after- school and summer art programs for Hecho en Encinal.

Students will create art from recycled objects, make exotic masks, explore printmaking, create collage art and discover a variety of painting options with landscape, still life and portraits. Older students will have the opportunity to investigate projects that interest them.

“The program is designed to stimulate imagination, encourage creativity and allow children to develop a better awareness of the visual arts. Participants will be introduced to the elements and principles of art, learn about different art movements and incorporate the styles of historical artists,” Leyendecker added.

Visits to the TAMIU CFPA Gallery will be incorporated into the creative experience. Activities are TEKS aligned.

Students are asked to wear a smock or cover shirt for painting days and encouraged to wear old clothes for class.

For more information, please contact the department of Fine and Performing Arts’ office at 326.2654 or visit at CFPA 217.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu