ELYS Presents New Winter Programs Aimed at Younger Audience

Up until now, we've had very limited offerings for elementary-aged youth, as our funding stream dictates most of our work focuses on middle school-aged audiences. We are very happy that we have a new Instructor helping us connect to the younger crowd!

Claudia Mathison holds degrees in Art Education and teaches at the Guilford Art Center, with Young Audiences of CT, at Lymes YSB, and at libraries and museums throughout Connecticut.

Her first workshop was a great success, a American Girl Fall Celebration welcomed nine newcomers to the Center, who had a great time creating and decorating an American Girl inspired corn husk doll, enjoyed stories. American Girl events are open to youth 5+. Claudia will also hold a American Girl Holiday Tea on Saturday, December 15, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., where American Girl Merchandise will be for sale just in time for the holidays, and also an American Girl Valentine's Day Tea, on Saturday, February 2nd, from 10am-12pm. These events all embrace fancy tea time, with tea cakes, and fancy china cups. Participants may dress up, and/or bring a doll if they like.

Claudia is also bringing sewing to this next generation. We are very excited to offer youth aged 8+ a series of workshops on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. in the Olive Chendali Room in the Community Center. Claudia brings her own sewing machines, fabric, and decorations for all to enjoy this all-to-quickly disappearing art. Sewing workshops start this Wednesday. We still have openings for this course. Let's Get sewing will allow participants to design and sew a patchwork pillow and tote bag using beautiful fabrics, buttons, and ribbon. No prior sewing experience is necessary for any of our sewing courses. Let's Get Sewing takes place on Nov. 28, Dec. 5th, and 12th. The cost is $70.

Let's Sew a Zoo, Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m., on December 19, and January 2 and 9, welcomes all experience levels to crate a cute felt stuffed animal and a decorative animal pillow. Machine and hand sewing will be explored.

We are also very excited to bring quilting to our line-up! Quilting For A Cause will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and his impact on our culture. Youth will design their quilt squares, and join them together using sewing machines, hand sewing, , as well as fabric crayons and paint. The finished project will be hung in town buildings for years to come as a lasting celebration of you th and Black History Month. This course meets Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m., January 16, 23rd, and 30th, and February 6th and 13th. The cost is $80.

We hope you take advantage of these offerings, as they really are a special treat, and will open up a lifetime of learning, and creativity.

All participants must register either by mail, or at the Parks and Recreation offices with a signed ELYS Registration Form, which is attached to this article.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at the Youth Center: 860 739-6788

Thanks,

Sarah