Local kids participating in a past Kids Summer Art Camp at the Chenango Arts Council. This year, the camp will include both arts and theater for two week-long sessions from July 31 through August 4 and August 7 to 11. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The Chenango Arts Council will be offering two week-long sessions of their Kids Summer Art Camp this summer from July 31 through August 4 and August 7 through 11.

The camp is open to Chenango County youth aged 10 to 14, and will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day at the Chenango Arts Council, located at 27 West Main Street in Norwich.

Young artists and thespians will get the opportunity to explore various artistic mediums, from drawing to painting to jewelry making and more with arts instructor Leah Dobbin. Three days of the week, participating kids will also get the chance to test out the Arts Council stage and learn from members of the Norwich Theater Company.

"The visual arts instructor is Leah Dobbin. She is an art teacher at Unadilla Valley I believe. She’s going to teach like drawing and painting. The schedule is still being set," said Chenango Arts Council Administrative Assistant Mary Beth Miller. "She knows felting, jewelry making. She knows about pottery. So all kinds of art mediums."

"In the afternoons three days a week, the Theater Company is going to teach about different aspects of theater, like on the stage and backstage," she continued. "It's going to result in on each Friday in the evening, the work they make is going to be an art gallery, and they’re going to put on a little skit for their family and friends."

Registration is $175 per week, per child, and covers all supplies. Participating children should bring their own lunches each day, and yogurt snacks will be provided by Chobani. To register, visit ChenangoArts.org or call 607-336-2787.

Miller encourages those interested in attending camp to register as quickly as possible. Financial assistance is also available; for more information, call the Arts Council at 607-336-2787.

No prior artistic experience is required to attend the kids summer art camp. Miller said it's open to all Chenango County youth with an interest in the arts and theater.

"You don’t really need to be really experienced in anything that’s going to be covered. It can be any kids who are interested in the arts, either visual or performing arts," she said.

In addition to the summer art camp, the Chenango Arts Council has a few other summer events planned. On Friday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m., a new gallery exhibit will be opening featuring the impressionist-inspired works by William Schumann.

"They’re inspired by the impressionist movement and nature depictions, with bright cheerful colors and patterns. Some of his work is inspired by Jacob Laurens, and it’s very interesting pieces," said Miller. "They're kind of stained glass window-esque, some of them. I think people really enjoy them."

On Saturday, July 29 from 4 to 6 p.m., a summer-themed paint and sip will be held at the Arts Council. The class is $25 and includes all supplies needed. Register at ChenangoArts.org.

That same weekend, the Chenango Arts Council will also be hosting the Norwich Theater Company for their musical rendition of The Wizard of Oz. Shows are scheduled for July 28 and 29 at 7 p.m., and at 2 p.m. on July 30. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids under 12 years old, and are available for purchase at NorwichTheaterCompany.org.

"A lot of talented members of the community are going to be in that, so that’ll be a really fun show," said Miller.

For more information on the Chenango Arts Council and their upcoming programs, visit ChenangoArts.org or the Chenango Arts Council Facebook page. For more information on the Norwich Theater Company, visit NorwichTheaterCompany.org or the Norwich Theater Company, Inc. Facebook page.