California State University, Bakersfield's Children's Art Institute will launch its first children's art classes this summer.

Located on the CSUB campus, the Children's Art Institute will offer "high quality education for participating children through a practicum teaching experience for prospective elementary school teachers," said Dianne Turner, CSUB art education professor and director of the CSUB Children's Art Institute. "The institute is dedicated to exploring various media, art history and art themes. We are also striving to educate and enlighten the university community as well as the greater Kern County community."

The program is made possible by the university and private support, she said. "The Children's Art Institute serves as a primary outlet and showcase for the university's support of children's art in the schools."

CSUB students enrolled in Art 302, Art in the Elementary Classroom, will teach this summer's Institute classes.

Classes for children who will be in grades one through six in the fall will be offered in painting, drawing and clay July 31-Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at CSUB. Cost is $225 per child, which covers materials, instruction, an art apron, an Institute T-shirt, daily snacks, and lunch.

Registration forms will be made available after April 1. "Space is limited so register early," Turner said, adding that those who would like to be put on a list to receive a registration form for the program may e-mail her at [ mailto:artinstitute@csub.edu ]artinstitute@csub.edu.

For more information, please call Turner at (661) 654-2422.

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