The Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA) offers summer arts experiences to provide children with enriching, creative fun under the supervision of experienced artists. Learning new art-making skills, techniques, and methods encourages self-expression, creativity, and collaboration. For summer 2015, Summer Fun at DCA gives young artists opportunities in the visual arts, fiber arts, literary arts, music, and the performing arts. Programs run from Monday to Friday and have a varied curriculum from week to week. All materials are provided for each session. Specialty film classes are two-week programs that require registration in both weeks. Please note that film for ages 8 − 11 is a half day program; ages 12 and up is full day. For all classes, children must be the ages stated on the class descriptions. Grouping is designed according to attention span, hand size, and manual dexterity, not creative maturity. Scholarships are available; please call us at 410-228.7782 for details. Week 1: June 29 − July 3 “Sound and Space” Mini Classes for ages 3-5 Participants will explore the galaxy and beyond through music and movement. Students will build a box rocket ship, paint a nebula, and have fun with music and crafts. The class meets from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Fees are: $55 for DCA members; $70 for non-members. “Junkyard Art” for ages 6 and up Students will use intriguing and offbeat materials to create whimsical art. Participants will explore creating with found objects, mixed media, and repurposed objects. The class meets from noon -2:30 p.m. Fees are: $75 for DCA members; $90 for non-members. “Sew What!” for ages 9 and up Girls and boys can learn the basics of sewing; putting a machine together, stitching, and bringing creations to life. Students will make a quilt block to be joined together into one big class quilt. Other projects include a second square that can be worked into a tote; or a pillow case for a child’s room. Plenty of fabric choices will be offered, but students can bring a yard of favorite fabric from home. Those that have a machine should bring it the first day to use all week. If one is needed, please notify DCA. The class meets from noon – 2:30 p.m. Fees are: $75 for DCA members, $90 non-members. Week 2: July 6 − 10 “Culture Club!” for ages 6-8 This class will feature art-making inspired by different cultures and continents. Projects can include weaving a Native American dreamcatcher; painting like an auroras from the skies of Antarctica; creating a Mexican animal mask, or making originals based on the places the student has visited, all while exploring a variety of techniques in both two and three-dimensional art forms. This class runs from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and students should bring a lunch and a beverage. Fees are: $135 members; $150 non-members. “Beyond Color” for ages 8 and up Students will develop new ways of seeing ordinary objects and scenery and learn to make fun, expressive pictures. Participants will focus on playful angles, bright light, and color, all while learning the basics of painting using watercolor and acrylic paints. The class meets from noon – 2:30 p.m. Fees are: $75 for DCA members; $90 non-members. Weeks 2 and 3: July 6 − 10 and 13 − 17 “Oscar Juniors” for ages 8-11 (Oscar Juniors requires registration in both weeks) An introduction to film production, “Oscar Juniors” participants will learn to perform on screen and behind the camera. Children choose their own creative idea and develop a script, choose a cast, develop characters, and film their own movie! “Oscar Juniors” promotes creativity and teamwork while sharing a bond that on film will last a lifetime. The class meets 9 – 11:30 a.m. Weekly fees are: $75 for DCA members, $90 for non-members. If staying for the afternoon class, students may bring a lunch and drink.) Week 3: July 13-17 “Bits and Pieces: Mosaics and Collage” for ages 8 and up Students will experiment with creating mosaics from cut paper as well as stone, pottery, glass, and other natural materials. The class meets from noon – 2:30 p.m. Fees are: $75 for DCA members; $90 for non-members. For additional classes and the full schedule for the summer, visit dorchesterarts.org and download the program list. Or call, 410-228-7782. Editor’s note: Spectrum is the weekly column of the Dorchester Arts Center. It is written by Mickey Love, executive director.