The Janice Mason Art Museum is widely known to provide a selection of fine art available for viewing, but some may not know that it also provides classes and workshops for members of the community to express their own creativity. Beginning on July 5, the museum welcomes aspiring youth artists into its “Jumpin’ July” program.

The program, with classes for students from grades K-12 is popular in Trigg County. Museum employee Toni Wolfe said, “Most classes are full. Some have a few openings still, others are overbooked.”

Sig Skundburg, of Michigan, will be teaching “Fine Art Tuesday.” He will expose his classes to Monet, Japanese bridges, Vincent Van Gogh, and abstract painting. After a viewing and discussion, classes will have a chance to create their own works with oil pastels and acrylics.

Carol Halfast, who lives in Cadiz, will teach classes on bird house painting, knitting, fleece pillows, puppet making and soap making. “I like the freedom kids enjoy. They will try anything. Last year a boy was interested in cars, and put flames on the side of his birdhouse.”

Skundburg agreed that the creativity of children was remarkable. “I like the abstract program. I tell them that color doesn’t matter, and kids paint pink water and green skies, and that’s ok,” he said with a proud smile.

For the rest of this story, read this week's Cadiz Record.