Summer Artsy-fartsy....

The ArtCenter/South Florida is a really cool place on South Beach. It not only is home to resident artists and their studios, it also has art classes. I took one a few years ago and it was really fun.

If you live or are traveling to SoFla this summer, you may be interested in their art camp.Their art camp is for kids ages 6 to 12 and the classes are held on the fabulous Lincoln Road where you can certainly find something to do while they are creating. Go to  www.artcentersf.org for more information. 



All parents know that summer reading is required in most schools. The thought is that it continues the education process if the kids keep reading during the summer. My kids have to read a ton of books this summer. My middle schooler has to read 4 and write reports. He can chose from a list of books so it is not the worst sentence.  My high schooler has to read two books, one of which is Jane Erye.   He has an exam on it when he gets back which leads to a dilemma, does he read it now and forget the details or while he is at sleepaway camp (which he will conveniently forget to do) OR read it the week before school.   I hate summer reading and I love reading for pleasure.  

I digress, the ArtCenter/South Florida feels that art during the summer is important. They back this up by quoting  the National School Boards Association, children who study art are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. Studies show that art helps kids earn higher report card grades because skills developed through art lead to better learning in other areas.

Regardless, art is way more fun than reading Jane Erye, especially if you are a teenage boy.