Cultural Center planning kids’ programs and more

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The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach continues to be the place for children and youth to keep active in the arts, though it’s now got a new address.

In January, the center moved into its new facility at 3972 Third St. South in Jacksonville Beach, where it is expanding its reach into Duval County. And the staff is already making plans for a number of events in spring and summer.

“Success is imminent!” said Executive Director Donna Guzzo.

Among those events is Bark 4 Art!, a unique mixture of art and pets that will support art education programs in both counties, and the Second Annual Beaches Celebration of the Arts, set for May.

For children and youth, there are a couple of spring break art camps scheduled for this month. Here’s a look:

  • Spring Par-tee! – This will be held during the week of spring break for Duval County Schools, March 8-12. There will be a morning session for children ages 4-7 and an afternoon session for those ages 8-13. Young artists will complete art projects to take home with them. Because the camp runs concurrently with THE PLAYERS Championship, the PGA TOUR donated golf balls to be used in kids’ crafts. Cost is $50 per day, $225 per week, with discounts for members.
  • Kids ShamROCK! – This will be held during the week of spring break for St. Johns County Schools, March 17-19. There will be a morning session for children ages 4-7 and an afternoon session for those ages 8-13. Young artists will complete art projects to take home with them. Cost is $45 per day, $135 for three full days, with discounts for members.

Pre-registration is required for both programs and can be made at ccpvb.org.

Among the events currently in the planning stages are: a Faberge egg workshop to be held around Easter, some Kids Night Out programs to give parents some time to themselves and summer camps to be held in various locations.

The center’s new programs and membership manager Megan Reid said she was very enthusiastic about the center’s plans and cited the role art plays the developing lives of children.

“I really think creativity is the key to our children and our future,” she said. “Working in art, working with your hands really builds a solid foundation for craftsmanship, problem solving, creative thinking.”