The Auburn CityKids Art Program is a free visual arts program for children ages 7-13.
The art classes will be every Thursday at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center from 4:30-5:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 2.
According to the City of Auburn website, the program gives children "the opportunity to learn in an intellectually stimulating and creative environment while developing meaningful relationships with peers and mentors."
Chichi Lovett, assistant professor of the arts at Auburn, is the program's director.
"I'm trying to make sure that every child has an opportunity to the arts," Lovett said.
The program is also offered as an elective for all majors at the University.
Lovett said her college students will spend about 30 hours of their class time with the children each semester.
"One does not have to be an art major to be involved with the program," Lovett said.
Allison Gair, junior in pre-elementary education and active Boys & Girls Clubs volunteer, is looking to get involved with the program.
"I want to teach the second grade, so I think the program would be a great way to introduce art to kids, as well as give me the skills necessary to teach it," Gair said.
CityKids is a partnership with Auburn Arts Association, the City of Auburn and the University art department.
"My students have the opportunity to interact with the community," Lovett said.
Donna Young, of Behind The Glass, graduated from Auburn with a degree in art.
"It's wonderful to hear that the University is taking the initiative to not only get kids interested the arts, but to also get more involved in the community," Young said.
Auburn CityKids began several years ago, but went on hiatus and is now being revived.
"When I began the program there was not the emphasis on civic engagement," Lovett said. "I just knew I wanted to bring art to the kids. I'm looking forward to it growing."
The program has gained significant popularity and involvement since it first started.
"There are 30 children registered now, and we have a waiting list," Lovett said. "We're expecting 40 children in total."
Auburn CityKids strives to reach out to all children in the surrounding area.
"In order to ensure that all of the children in Auburn have an opportunity, information was sent to all of the schools," Lovett said. "Project Uplift and the Boys and Girls Club were also included with program recruitment."
Lovett promotes art as a crucial component for education.
"Studies show that art is not only beneficial for academic success, but emotional well-being as well," Lovett said. "It's a pity because art programs are usually the programs being cut first."
The program exposes the children to all different forms of art, including painting, sculpture, theater and dance.
"We took field trips to the museum, theater and even the ballet in Montgomery," Lovett said.
Lovett said past participants from Auburn CityKids have gone on to study art or be the college students involved with the program.
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