May 22, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Elaine Baney, Education Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

Ligonier—The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley is offering a summer art camp for local children. The exciting two-week course, designed for children ages 5 through 12, is taught in small, informal groups to foster each child’s creativity, personal growth and interest in the arts.

The camp, The Art of Puppet Theatre, will be held on weekdays from July 16 through July 27, 2007. Children will have fun creating puppets, painting scenery and designing costumes and sets while learning theatrical techniques such as character development, vocal dynamics, body movement and music. On the final day of the camp, parents and friends are invited to see the children’s puppet theatre production, "How Maui Brought Fire to Her Village," which explores the rich culture, unique creatures and interesting land of New Zealand. The camp is taught by Laura Opshinsky of We’re Holden Puppets. We’re Holden Puppets are rostered artists through SAMA and the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts with more than 30 years experience of producing high-quality puppet theatre performances.

The camps are open to children ages 5 through 12. Younger children, ages 5 through 8, will attend the 9 a.m. to noon morning session. Ages 9 through 12 will attend the afternoon session, from 1 to 4 p.m. The camp costs $175 for both weeks, which includes materials and snacks. Registration requires a $25 non-refundable deposit per child. For registration or more information, please call the Museum at (724) 238-6015.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley is located at One Boucher Lane and Route 711 South in Ligonier. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. For more information, call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.