+ A
A -
LEZIMA GOMES
Doha
Summer holidays are approaching and in order to keep young minds engaged, the Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ) recently announced its art and design summer programme for children and high school students.
"The VCUQ summer programme was conceived with the aim of engaging young students during the summer holidays who may not have access to art education at their own schools, and get them interested in art and design from an early age," explains VCUQ Outreach and Community Class Manager Annette Wendling-Willeke.
The programme will run from June 26 until August 18 and includes 11 courses. Four courses will be offered during the Holy Month of Ramadan and eight during the first three weeks of August. Currently, the programme is offering an early bird rate till June 15 and standard rates apply from June 16 to June 25, followed by last minute rates thereafter.
Interested students can register online on the VCUQ website, or visit VCUQ in Education City to register in person from Sunday to Thursday, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 3.45 pm. Registration will continue until courses start. However, as seats sell out early, it is advisable to sign up as soon as possible.
Wendling-Willeke said,"One course The Art Fun, Tea Party is already sold out and VCUQ is anticipating strong demand for places for the other 11 courses.
"This year, the class for ages 4-7 is already sold out. Seats are free in the classes for the age groups 6-9, 8-12, 10-15, 13+, 14+ and 16+ there are seats still available."
Students can explore a wide variety of techniques and media including creative thinking and creative processes. All classes are studio-type courses with lecturer presentations and demonstrations, and with the students creating art.
"The participants of some of the courses will go on a trip to a museum or a gallery to expose them to different types of art," explained Wendling-Willeke.
All community classes are taught by select art educators and artists. Four of the lecturers are based in Doha, and two lecturers will travel from the US each year for the summer art camp.
"The summer programme will end with an exhibition where students of all courses will show their work at the end of the class that will be open to their family and friends. This is always an exciting event for the young artists," added Wendling-Willeke.
