Quincy arts and crafts offers a diversion from the beach

By Deborah Wheeler

debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com

Every Tuesday and Thursday in July kids are offered the opportunity to take a break from the fun and sun of the beach and gather at Quincy arts and crafts toy store in Seaside for fun of the artistic kind.

Quincy’s owner Dorothy Baratta has outsourced her kids’ art classes this season, using Abrakadoodle (www.abrakadoodle.com), which has a nationwide presence in the realm of teaching art classes.

Abrakadoodle not only provides drawing and painting lessons, but also throws in some art history and theory in its sessions.

Interest in the classes has been high, with many filled to overflowing, said Baratta.

The classes can accommodate up to 15 children between the ages 5 and 12.

“We started with 12 participants per class but we had to turn too many children away,” said Baratta. “Most classes have been full but we have not done much in the way of advertising.”

Plans are to offer classes each Saturday and one day a week after school starts. Plans are also in the works for a musical education/combined art class as well as art birthday parties.

A single class is for $15 for the first child. Sibling enrollment and the purchase of a series of classes will be discounted.

“Quincy's mission is to promote artistic expression and creative play,” said Baratta. “We have always offered art classes but there is only so much we can do alone. With Abrakadoodle on board the sky is the limit.”

Upcoming classes in July include:

• July 22 – 4 p.m., Lichtenstein Doodle – Learn about the POPular American artist Roy Lichtenstein and create a piece of pop art using the pointillism technique.

• July 24 – 4 p.m., Nathalie Le Riche Doodle – Experience Australia through the bright colors and fish paintings of Nathalie Le Riche using Crayola tempera paints and learn about the art of printmaking.

• July 29 – 4 p.m., Pearly Butterfly Doodle – Fly away to the land of symmetry. Create beautiful butterflies using a variety of Crayola materials, including Crayola Model Magic.

• July 31 – 10 a.m., Peek-a-boo Doodle – Learn about Yuko Lao, an Asian artist, who creates child friendly whimsical works of art. Create pieces inspired by Lao, using Crayola Portfolio Pastels.

To sign up or to inquire about fall classes, call Quincy at (850) 231-0874.