JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – This artistic program is making summer learning fun.
Victim Services Inc., in collaboration with the United Way of the Southern Alleghenies, The Learning Lamp and the Cambria County Library, is offering its “Art in the Park” series at 10 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 14 at Stackhouse Park’s main entrance pavilion on Luzerne Street in Westmont.
Each week features a new children’s book reading, followed by a themed arts and crafts activity that encourages imagination and creativity in an outdoor setting.
“We created ‘Art in the Park’ to make reading and creativity fun and accessible for families,” said Shayna Blackford, Victim Services Inc.’s community relations specialist. “It’s a chance to unplug, enjoy nature and make art together.”
The program is geared toward children ages 3 to 10.
“We engage children and families with a simple story,” Blackford said. “We then talk about the story, engaging in simple discussion, and then we start an art activity based on the story.”
On Thursday, children read “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle and experimented with watercolors to paint a picture from the story. They also received a watercolor activity book featuring insects to take home.
While there, participants also had the chance to check out the StoryWalk, located near the pavilion, which is currently featuring the book “Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!” by Bob Barner.
Carol Battaglia, of Westmont, brought her granddaughters Sadie and Maggie Battaglia to participate in the program.
“We love the park and being outside in summer, and I like to foster a sense of reading for them,” she said. “You have nature, the love of reading and connecting it all together, so that’s just invaluable.”
Sadie, 6, said she likes hearing the details of the stories.
“I like the pictures and the words that makes it just so unique,” she said.
Sadie said she also enjoys the art project.
“I like being squiggly and I like to make abstract art,” she said. “I get to have fun.”
Blackford said the goal of the program is to promote early childhood literacy and the importance of reading.
“We also want to strengthen family relationships in the community,” she said. “We want to promote social and emotional learning as well as a connection between youth and family members and trusted adults.”
There is no fee to attend and materials are provided.
