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NEWS
KidsArt program opens doors to art world
Parents and kids work on an art project during the KidsArt program at the Huntington Museum of Art on Saturday, Nov. 29.
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HUNTINGTON -- Kelli Murray-Shrader of Milton brings her 6-year-old daughter Paige to the weekly KidsArt program at the Huntington Museum of Art on Saturdays for more than the fun projects.
Murray-Shrader said the program gives her daughter the opportunity to be creative while also interacting with children her own age. On Saturday, Paige joined a handful of other kids creating decorative baskets with paper, buttons and other crafts items.
"I really like that there's interaction with other kids," Murray-Shrader said. "It's a good way to develop social skills."
Children in kindergarten through fifth grade meet at the museum on Saturdays to participate in the art projects. Melissa McCloud said the projects change each week and can include anything from craft building to painting and sculpting.
"We always try to do something different," McCloud said. "The kids really like it -- we have a lot of regulars."
After the crafts, kids work with an instructor from the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center in the museum's theater. There they learn different dances and rhythmic movements.
The program is free thanks to contributions from Heiner's Bakery and additional support from Huntington B'Nai B'rith Lodge No. 795.
Murray-Shrader said she appreciates the sponsors and hopes the program continues to gain support throughout the community. KidsArt, Murray-Shrader said, is sometimes the first place kids learn about and interact with art. Continuing the program, she said, would give more kids the opportunity to find their own artistic voice.
"This allows kids to experience the arts," Murray-Shrader said. "It's just wonderful."
The art program is from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call the museum at 304-529-2701 or visit its Web site at www.hmoa.org.
