July 7 - 11, July 14 - 18, July 21 -25, 2008

ArtStart's interdisciplinary summer arts camp for youth ages 4-12 years is celebrating it's 15th year of exploring the arts of different cultures in depth. Each year has marked a new journey and new learning for youth, many of whom have attended programs since age 4 years old.

Summer 2008 we have chosen to celebrate this organizational milestone as well as honor the 150th year of Minnesota statehood by assembling a retrospective of some of our most culturally and artistically rich programming with some new twists. Drawing inspiration from the Mississippi River, a common bond that unites us all as a community from the Native People who inhabited this area before the Westward Expansion to the newest immigrants, who call Minnesota home, ArtStart's "Mississippi Rendezvous 2008" weaves a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic diversity.

Designed for children pre-K through grade 6, ArtStart's Summer Interdisciplinary Arts program offers youth the opportunity to immerse themselves in the arts, cultures, and natural wonders of Native American, European, African, Latino and Asian cultures. This unique program blends art, environment, and culture and provides children with a quality arts education experience in which they work with professional artists and arts educators in multiple disciplines.

Children may attend the program for one, two or three weeks, full day or afternoons only. Each week ends with an afternoon informance where children demonstrate their learning for family and friends.

ArtStart wishes to thank the Carolyn Foundation and the Nash Foundation for its generous support of our summer programs.

SAVE Register in person at ArtStart's ArtScraps on Saturday, March 1 or 8 between 10am and 3pm and receive a 5% discount on all class fees!

Download Mississippi Rendezvous:
Brochure (pdf)
Registration Form (pdf)

Regular Tuition:
Two Courses (half day) = $135
Four Courses (full day) = $255

Registration Deadline: June 15.

Location:
Talmud Torah School of St. Paul
768 S. Hamline - St. Paul, MN 55116

301 BEAD ARTS:
Patterns of Life
Julie Kastigar introduces the art of beading. Learn how patterns and colors can reflect tribal and family affiliations. Then create your own bead work. Previous sewing experience is recommended. Additional $10 materials fee.

302 MIXED MEDIA:
From the Earth
The name Mississippi is derived from the Ojibwe meaning 'Great River.' Using materials from nature, work with artist Maxine Mashek to create a "talking stick," a woven basket, and shield.

303 TIPI:
In the Shelter of Home
The tipi was an ideal shelter for the People of the Plains. It was warm in winter and cool in summer. Work with artist Ernie Whiteman to create your own tipi in miniature and experience tipi customs and etiquette.

304 DRAW & PAINT & painting:
The Circle of All Beings
Beaver, badger, eagle, heron, fox, turtle and others hold deep significance for the Ojibwe and Lakota. Work with artist Louise Mader to capture the spirit of these animals as you draw and paint them in their natural habitat along the Mississippi River.

305 WEAVE:
River Weavings
As the Mississippi River weaves southward from its source in northern Minnesota, river currents carry bits and pieces from the land. Join artist Stacie Forbes and create weavings using items from this "river collection" - paper, cloth, yarn, string, found objects and natural materials.

306 PUPPETRY:
Life in the Wilderness
Sharing their wisdom through stories, the Ojibwe taught the "Voyageurs" and pioneers how to survive in an unfamiliar land - tapping the maple tree for sap, finding the way using the North Star, and more. Work with artist Maxine Mashek to create puppets and tell the story this generous gift.

307 DANCE:
"Do-sa-do" and Around We Go
Minnesota pioneers worked hard, but still had time for fun. Join dancer Christopher Yaeger, to learn the dances of the pioneers - the Schottische, the Polka, the traditional Square Dance - and celebrate at our community celebration.

308 DRAMA:
Pigseye Comes to Life
Meet some of the early citizens of Saint Paul. Join actor Mark Safford and perform an original play that captures the history and changes to the Mississippi River over time through the eyes of these historical figures. Learn characterization, vocalization, and costuming.

309 TEXTILES:
The Grand Excursion
Work with artist Sara Langworthy to learn about the high fashion of the 1850's. Then design and create your own apparel fitting for a wealthy tourist as you join the "Grand Excursion," traveling by steamboat to the Twin Cities.

310 FOLK ARTS:
Something From Nothing
Pioneer children used their imaginations to create toys and games out of the materials that were available - wood, yarn and fabric scraps. Work with artist Cassandra Monson to create yarn dolls, bean bags, moonspinners and a small braided rug.

401 DRAMA:
That River Rabbit Stories
African stories of Ananse the Spider come to America and become tales of the trickster, Br'er Rabbit. Work with actor Mark Safford and turn a Br'er Rabbit tale into a Mississippi River tale. What mischief does this rabbit have in mind?

402 DANCE:
Mississippi River Moves
The origins of many popular dance forms have roots in African culture. Work with dancer Autumn Compton and drummer Baba Hera to choreograph Mississippi River dances based on traditional African movement.

403 PAINT:
Spirit of the River
The Mississippi River has inspired songs, dance and art works too. Capture the spirit of this great waterway as you work with a visual artist to paint river banners that symbolize the currents of life found in and around the river.

404 CONSTRUCTION:
Riverboat a Comin'
Work with set designer and puppeteer Julian McFaul to create a replica of an 1850's steamboat that might have docked in Saint Paul. Get ready to roll on down the Mississippi! Recommended for ages 8 and above unless experienced with tools. Additional $5 materials fee.

405 QUILTS:
A Patchwork of Possibilities
Work with artist Bonnie Langenfeld and learn about African American quilts. Listen to The Patchwork Quilt, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, and Faith Ringgold's Tar Beach. Then design and create your own small patchwork quilt.

406 DANCE:
Danza!
While working in the farm fields was exhausting, the workers always had time for fun. Join Los Alegres Bailadores to learn some of the traditional folk dances of Mexico and perform in costume for our Friday celebration.

407 MASKS:
It's a Festival!
Many immigrants wanted to keep their own traditions alive in their new home - Minnesota. Work with artist Ann Sawyer-Aitch to create your own papier mache mask inspired by traditional Mexican masks for our festival celebration.

408 OFFRENDA:
Dia de los Muertos
Or "Day of the Dead" is celebrated November 1. Explore the history of the celebration with artist Louise Mader. Then create your own family altar honoring your ancestors using a lot of fun materials! Additional $5 materials fee.

409 CLAY:
Pottery & Tiles
Work with artist Armando Gutierrez to learn about pottery traditions as you create your own containers and tiles. Pottery will need to dry, be fired, and picked up at a later date at Art- Start's ArtScraps. Additional $10 materials fee.

410 FOLK ARTS:
Blending the Old & the New
Those who settled in Minnesota from Mexico and Latin American countries are very skillful artisans. Work with artist Felice Amato to learn some of the Mexican folk art traditions creating weavings, sculptures, and more.

501 DANCE:
Traditional Japanese Dance
Learn about the sister-city relationship between Saint Paul and Nagasaki, Japan. Work with dancer Linda Hashimoto to learn traditional Japanese folk dance and prepare to dance in costume for our Friday celebration.

502 PRINT MAKING:
Fish, Fish, Fish
Like Minnesota, fishing has been an important vocation and pastime in Japan. Work with Laurie Watson to learn about Japanese folk arts inspired by fish. Make fish prints, carp windsocks, origami fish, kites and more.

503 DRAMA:
Mississippi Myths
Who really knows what lurks in the muddy river bottoms of the Mississippi River? Perhaps a dragon? Work with Mark Safford and learn about Asian dragons. Then create a life-sized water dragon for our community celebration.

504 DRAW:
Sumi-e Japanese Pen & Ink
Join artist Louise Mader and learn traditional Japanese brush painting. Then create paintings of Mississippi River flora and fauna using your new brush painting skills and techniques. Additional $10 material fee.

505 FLORAL:
Say it with Flowers
Flowers are the gift of friendship. Learn the art of flower arranging in both traditional Ikebana style and modern design. Then use both real and artificial flowers to create your floral arrangements. Additional $10 material fee.

506 DANCE:
Dance Me to the Delta
Work with Christopher Yaeger to step, slide, turn, stamp, and leap as you learn about the influence of many cultures on popular dance trends - the Jitterbug, the Lindy, the Tango and more. Then perform at our celebration.

507 JEWELRY:
Designworks
Work with artist Stacie Forbes to create jewelry and body decorations inspired by Native American, European, African, Latin American, and Asian designs. Use beads, natural materials and recycled stuff in fun and creative ways.

508 TEXTILE:
River Wear
Take inspiration from patterns and designs of many cultures and the flora and fauna of the Mississippi. Work with Felice Amato and learn several fabric printing and stitchery techniques to create your own special line of clothing! Additional $10 materials fee.

509 PUPPETRY:
Big Puddle Puppets
Create life-sized fish puppets that call the Mississippi River home. Work with artists Ann-Sawyer Aitch and Julie Kastigar to design, build, and paint your own special fish. Practice fishy movements with your puppet and bring it to life!

510 COLLAGE:
A Collage of Our Community
Record your own special connection to our community. Work with artist Robin Taple to create a personal family tapestry in collage. Use a variety of papers and images, paints, colored pencils and more to tell your unique story.

A Start With the Arts meets daily and offers 4-5 year olds the opportunity for self expression through singing, movement, drama, and art making. (Older 3 year olds will be considered.) Activities are designed to heighten each child's imagination while providing knowledge about the Mississippi River through a cultural and artistic lens. Each section of A Start With the Arts will have its own Friday informance.
Each week holds two sections.

Be the first on your block to sport the new ArtStart T-shirt!

In honor of the 15th year of our Interdisciplinary Summer Arts Camp, ArtStart is offering a 100% heavyweight cotton t-shirt with the ArtStart logo on the front. A beautiful royal blue with white lettering, the 2008 T-shirt symbolizes our study of the Mississippi River.
To order your T-shirt fill out the registration form.
Cost is $15 for S-L sizes/$18 for XL sizes.
Deadline to order is June 15.
Your T-shirt order will be waiting for you on the first day of class.

Times:
Morning Section: 8:30-11:30 am
Afternoon Section: 12:30-3:30 pm

Tuition: $95/week for either AM or PM

Call 651-698-ARTS to Register, or
Download the Registration Form (pdf)

July 7-11:
Native American
Native to Home

July 14-18:
Latin American
Of Family Farm and Fun

July 21-25:
Japanese American
Friendship & Peace