NOT JUST ART IN OYSTER BAY INTRODUCES ECO ARTS

Art has long been encouraged among children to help enrich their creativity and development, and with the addition of their new Eco Arts & Traditional Hand Crafts program, Oyster Bay's Not Just Art has found yet another way to spark kids' interest.

Education director Mara Esposito says the creative enrichment center (available for children up to 12 years old) has a goal to "discover and develop each child's unique view of and approach to their world, and give them the encouragement, tools, time, and space to express themselves." The new eco arts program, geared specifically to children 9 years of age and older, brings the "go-green" movement into the artistic process. Kids can combine textile art (knitting, fleece painting, sewing) with other materials to create sculptural works and wearable art. This program forces participants to really take time to look at how things are made rather than looking for the quickest route to gratification, Esposito explains. "Learning hand crafts slows a person down, teaches creative problem solving, and rewards perseverance with a tangible item as well as a skill and sense of accomplishment," she says.

Spring session formally begins in April, and classes will run for 10 weeks. Families can register online, mail the registration form, or submit one in person.