WILMINGTON — This summer, thanks to generous donors to the Good Fairy Fund, area children ages 8 to 16 will have affordable opportunities to participate in activities involving visual and performing arts, both at The Murphy Theatre and at J.W. Denver Williams Memorial Park in Wilmington.
“We are in the fifth year of bringing a variety of art forms to the youth of Clinton County through the Murphy Theatre,” said Diane Murphy, chairwoman and founding member of the Good Fairy Programming.
Saturday Mornings at The Murphy is a series of workshops held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on June 11, June 18, July 23, July 30, Aug. 6, and Aug. 13. Each class, $10 each or all six for $50, is limited to 25 students ages 8 to 16, so early registration is encouraged.
Charlie’s Summer Arts Camp, led by artist Gail Rose, will be held at the J.W. Denver Williams Memorial Park July 18–22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with lunch provided.
Participants will paint an outdoor mural and will become part of a drum line, creating rhythms on various styles of buckets in Charlie’s Bucket Band conducted by Chip Murdock.
The mural will be on permanent display at the park, and the band will perform in September at the Clinton County Corn Festival. Fee for camp is $75 for the week. A review of the artist’s work and talent will be open to the community June 22 at 2 p.m.
The Saturday workshops at the Murphy will be:
• June 11: Improvisation with Ken Lydy of Wilmington College Kids & Co. Improv theater at its finest. It’s improvisational — who knows what will happen?
• June 18: Tie-dye with Tanya Snarr and Kim Merritt. Students will dye their T-shirts and other items they may bring.
• July 23: Journal-making with Andrew Connaroe and Marla Stewart. Students will create journals for keeping their thoughts.
• July 30: Christmas in July with Hal Shunk. Students will meet a Clinton County commissioner and make Christmas ornaments from recyclable materials.
• Aug. 6: “Let’s Dance” with Cole Haugh. Local choreographer will teach students hip-hop moves and will learn to perform on stage with grace and rhythm.
• Aug. 13: Play the Xylophone with Matt Spradlin. Students will learn xylophone basics with instruction from members of the high school band and its director.
An artist revue of all of the workshops will be held at noon Aug. 13 on stage at The Murphy Theatre and is open to the public.
The fee schedule for Saturday Mornings at the Murphy is as follows: one class for $10; all six classes for $50. A T-shirt is included in the registration fee.
The Good Fairy Fund originated in 2012 as a way to bring arts programming to children ages 8–16. Through The Murphy Theatre and the Good Fairy Programming, students are able to learn from local and regional professional artists about various art forms. The Good Fairy Fund is supported by local businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe theater, music, and all forms of art should be available to as many children as possible.
To register for the summer programs or to donate to the Good Fairy Fund, call 937-382-3643, visit the box office at 50 W. Main St. from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, or go online for a registration form at www.themurphytheatre.org.
