Diverse Art Classes Keep Kids Creating All Summer at Oakeside – TAPinto.net

BLOOMFIELD, NJ – Area children are enjoying expanding their knowledge of other cultures from around the globe as Summer Art Classes continue this week with ‘Art Around the World’ at Oakeside Cultural Center in Bloomfield.

Third in a series of four weekly sessions for children ages 5 to 13, ‘Art Around the World’ is taught by Carolina Rivera.

“In addition to Bloomfield kids, we have kids from all over the area including Caldwell, Glen Ridge, Belleville and Roseland, so Essex County is well represented,” Rivera told TAP.

Rivera, who is in her third year as an art instructor at Oakeside, added, “all of our programs are very affordable, and the kids are here from 9 am to 2 pm.”

During TAP’s visit on Wednesday, July 24, the kids were creating scratch art henna, which are organic and geometric designs seen in India and Morocco. The kids also made masks first seen in Africa and created llamas from South America.

Session one from July 8 to 12 featured ‘Wizard School: Magical Crafts and Games’ taught by Vickie Payne, and session two from July 15 to 19 saw ‘Adventures in Cooking’ with Danielle Bocchiaro where campers learned to prepare a different culinary treat every day.

The fourth and final summer session next week from July 29 to August 2 offers ‘STEM: Science Exploration Camp’ instructed by Dana Paltos.

Another exciting event coming up is the summer Garden Party celebrating 10 years of the Oakeside Community Garden on Saturday, August 3, from 1 to 5 pm.

This event features craft brews by Montclair Brewery, live music, garden tours, lite bites, raffles and prizes. The dress code is Garden Fabulous – summer dresses, fancy hats, or overalls. The event is open to the public, but tickets are limited. For more information, visit Oakeside.org.

Located in the heart of Bloomfield, Oakeside has been providing community-based programs in the areas of historical interpretation, arts programs and education, horticulture and gardening, and recreation and cultural events for over 30 years.