Registration continues for Buddy Art, which is a series of classes that runs from September to November and features art classes for children with special needs and disabilities.
The classes take place on several Saturdays between now and Nov. 2 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the James City County Recreation Center on Longhill Road. Classes are based on the ages, ability levels and interests of participating children, who are paired with “buddies” who help them one-on-one to explore mediums and replenish supplies.
Karen Schwartz is the coordinator of the program. She started it in 2008, a few years after her husband started Buddy Ball, a program that allows children with special needs to come together and play baseball.
“It’s an opportunity to explore art and art materials without being at school,” Schwartz said. “It’s a lot more open-ended. The kids are able to explore the art materials at their own pace. If they want to spend the whole time playing with modeling clay, they can do that. If they want to try every activity we have set up, they can do that.”
A volunteer activity supervisor will help the children set up their activities during the hourlong classes. Each week has a theme, such as “self-portraits” or “fall leaves,” according to the sponsor of the event, This Century Art Gallery. The buddies are volunteers from The College of William & Mary.
“The personal interaction with these college students is as important if not more important than the art activities,” Schwartz said.
The class also features different art stations, including finger painting, clay, collage, drawing, stamping and easel painting. Parents are invited to participate in the class, though a buddy will be assigned to each child regardless of whether a parent is involved.
Buddy Art has received donations and grants from Margaret Pritchard, St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, Hudgins-Holiday Chevorlet & Cadillac, Williamsburg Ford and the Williamsburg Rotary Club.
The next class will take place on Saturday. Other classes this year are set for Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 19 and Nov. 2.
Want to get involved?
- If you’re interested in volunteering, call 229-4949 or e-mail Schwartz at [email protected].
- You can make a donation toward art supplies by sending it to This Century Art Gallery, P.O. Box 388, Williamsburg, Va. 23187.
- You can register for the program by clicking this link. You must also register with James City County Parks & Recreation, which you can do here or at the Recreation Center before class.
