April 21, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Janet Bucciarelli, SAMA-Ligonier Valley Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

LIGONIER MUSEUM TO HOST TWO SUMMER ART CAMPS

            Ligonier – The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley will be offering two art camps this summer for local children. The exciting, two-week courses, designed for ages 5 through 12, are taught in small, informal groups to foster each child’s creativity, personal growth and interest in the arts.

            At “The Art of Puppet Theatre,” campers will spend two weeks working on the production, A Native Tale: Life on the Eastern Frontier. The camp offers children an opportunity to create puppets, paint scenery and design costumes and sets while learning theatrical techniques such as character development, vocal dynamics and body movement. This year’s camp also offers children an opportunity to learn about their local history, keeping in theme with the Ligonier 250 Celebration. On the final day of camp, parents and friends are invited to see the children’s puppet theatre production. The camp is taught by Laura Opshinsky of the “We’re Holden Puppets” company. “We’re Holden Puppets” are directory artists through SAMA and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) with many years of experience producing high-quality puppet theatre performances. The camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays from July 14 through 25. Cost for the camp is $175, which includes materials and snacks.

            SAMA also will hold a second camp, “Native American Flute Workshop.” This camp will provide children with the opportunity to decorate and learn to play their own authentically-designed Native American flutes. While developing their musical skills, campers also will gain insight and knowledge about various cultural traditions of Native American Eastern Woodlands tribes. On the final day of camp, children will have an opportunity to play a concert for family and friends. The camp is led by Marianne McAuliffe, a directory artist through SAMA and the PCA who has been studying Native American culture most of her life. The camp will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. weekdays from July 15 through 25. Cost for the camp is $125, 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.