2001 Kids' Summer Fun Guide

Arts & Crafts Camps

MITCHIE'S FINE BLACK ARTS has two Saturday programs that are free for kids this summer. At Mitchie's Fine Arts Camp, children learn about art styles of Nigeria and other African countries from professor Christopher Adejumo, an art history professor at UT. All materials provided. Third & fourth Saturdays, 1-4pm, May-August. Mitchie's regular storytimes continue through the summer too. After the hourlong session, children receive snacks, a free gift, and 30% off book purchase. Saturdays, 2pm. Both at 5706 Manor Rd. 323-6901.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL SCHOOL FINE ARTS CAMP arts & crafts and swimming, oh my, on the lovely St. James campus. The kinder here will enjoy classes in painting, theatre arts, creative writing, and making art from recyclable materials. And before even that excitement can fade, there's swimming lessons for every level of experience. Ages: 3-7. First Session: May 29-June 22. Second Session: June 25-July 20. 3701 E. MLK. 926-4214.

CLAYWAYS POTTERY STUDIO In half-day camps, older kids will learn to use a potter's wheel while younger ones create hand-built pieces. Projects aren't confined exclusively to pottery; bookmaking, drawing, and papier mâché will be explored too. Ages: 6 and up. June 11-July 27. ClayWays Pottery Studio & Gallery, 5442 Burnet. 459-6445. www.clayways.com

DOUGHERTY ARTS SCHOOL This city of Austin facility is home to a variety of camps in visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and video and computer skills. The wide variety of classes is matched by the range of ages served: 3-14. Classes June 4-Aug 24. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. 397-1458. www.ci.austin.tx.us/dougherty.

HIDDEN TALENT Uncover your offspring's light hidden under a bushel. The camps at this ceramic studio puts their urge to color your world into an acceptable outlet: ceramics! Ages: 8 and up. Half-day, Tue-Fri afternoon camps, June 5-July 27. 2525 W. Anderson, Northcross Mall. 323-2551.

THE ART SCHOOL OF AUSTIN MUSEUM OF ART The expanding Austin Museum of Art is investing in future artists and art lovers by providing weeklong camps in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, media arts, and other special interests. Ages: 4-16 (however, camps for younger kids are already filled). May 29-Aug 19 at Laguna Gloria (3809 W. 35th) and elementary schools around town. 323-6380. www.amoa.org.

ARTS ON THE LAKE Camps offered this summer for the artistically inclined include drawing, painting, printmaking, and black-and-white photography. Ages: 6-13. Half days, July 9-20. The drawing, painting, and printmaking classes are offered individually in one-week, half-day sessions too. Ages: 5-13. June 4-29. "Performing Shakespeare for the Student" is presented with the Austin Shakespeare Festival. Ages: 13-18. Half-day camps, June 18-29. High-schoolers can get their share of campy fun at St. Stephen's photography camps. For more on these, visit members.aol.com/randehrl. Ages: 13-18. Beginning photography (June 11-15, 10am-4pm), digital photography (June 18-22, 10am-4pm), and advanced photography (June 25-29, 10am-4pm). All at the beautiful and inspiring St. Stephen's Episcopal School, 2900 Bunny Run. 327-1213.