KIDS + FAMILIES

This summer, the highly popular Summer Arts Program returns to Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston. From June 22 until July 2, 2010, children have the opportunity to make art inspired by the museum's summer exhibitions, Tomás Saraceno: Lighter than Air and First Take: Jacco Olivier.

Parents have the choice to enroll their children into one or both of the two-week sessions, with the first session meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning June 22 and the second session meeting on Wednesdays and Fridays starting June 23. Both are unique with different lessons and activities, and class goes from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Each session costs $50, and parents can register their children ages 6 to 12 by calling Viola Chavez, the museum's assistant curator of education, at 713.743.9971. Registration is also available online at blafferartmuseum.org/summer_arts.html. A limited number of scholarships are available for low-income families.

For the last six years, Summer Arts has filled to capacity. Thus, Blaffer encourages parents not to delay in registering: space is limited, and registration will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once again, this year's Summer Arts will be taught by professional artist and educator Patrick Renner, who received his Master of Fine Arts from Alfred College in New York. Renner's involvement with the museum's educational programs dates back to 2008, when he joined -- and currently still teaches -- as an artist-mentor for Blaffer's award-winning Young Artist Apprenticeship Program. This year's Summer Arts will introduce the children to the works of Tomás Saraceno and Jacco Olivier. Under the tutelage of Renner, students will create sculptures, paintings and mixed media art informed by the Blaffer exhibitions.

"Students are given the opportunity to experience hands-on activities that provide them with a new and enriched perspective of the world of art around them," stated Katherine Veneman, Blaffer's curator of education. "The workshops are designed to celebrate creativity and imagination, and children learn different and exciting art skills from painting to sculpture and many things in between," she added.

About Blaffer:
Founded in 1973, Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston was named in honor of the late Sarah Campbell Blaffer, a noted Houston arts patron and collector. Since its inception, the museum has been a vital force in the presentation and promotion of contemporary visual arts in Houston. Blaffer is located in the Fine Arts Building on the University of Houston's central campus, entrance 16 south of Cullen Boulevard. It is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays, Mondays, university holidays and during exhibition installations (visit the website or call to confirm). The museum is ADA compliant. For general inquiries, please call 713.743.9521, or visit the museum online at www.blafferartmuseum.org.