CLARKSVILLE, TN − Austin Peay State University is continuing to introduce children to the performing arts through the annual Community School of the Arts (CSA) Summer Arts Camp, and this year they took to the stars to express themselves through activities such as dance and acting.
The growing popularity of the camps saw the CSA host two weeklong sessions in July, and the organizers decided on an ambitious theme for the occasion.
“Last year, we decided to create themes for each camp; this year’s theme was space,” said Kevin Loveland, assistant director for the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA) and the director for the CSA. “All artwork, plays, and dances were themed around space.”
The camp’s goal was to provide opportunities for children ages 8-15 years to experience a number of art forms at a young age. Local instructors taught participants about theatre, ceramics, dance, and painting through a series of games and activities.
“I hope that campers can discover enjoyment in other art forms that they may not have experienced yet,” Loveland said. “We often have campers who come because of one particular art form, finding themselves enjoying another and continuing with that form during the year.”
At the end of each week, the students’ friends and family were invited to enjoy a showcase performance and view their artwork in a gallery exhibition – potentially inspiring more students to get involved next year.
“We plan to slightly increase our capacity for each week of the camps, to allow for more campers to join in the future,” Loveland said.
The growing CSA Summer Arts Camp continues to serve as a creative outlet for Clarksville-area youth, fostering artistic expression and building confidence through hands-on experiences in the performing arts.