Erin Dietrich (front right standing) and Jessica Carlblom (back right standing) help students during a morning session of the children’s summer art class. (Sheila Anderson/VCTR)  

By Sheila Anderson
Valley City Times-Record

Approximately 50 local children are spending part of their summer learning more about art.
For the third year, Circle of Friends preschool teachers Colette Jenson and Erin Dietrich are teaching a summer art class to area children.
“Erin and I both really like art,” Jenson said, explaining the motivation behind the class.
According to Jenson, the goal of the program is to get kids excited about art.
“We want kids to learn to love art, to develop a lifelong interest in art, and to express their creativity,” Jenson said.
A few years ago, Jenson and Dietrich met an art teacher from Fargo who offered them a workshop, which inspired them with ideas for the children’s art class.
“This is a perfect age for getting kids involved,” Jenson said.  
Jenson said the students themselves bring ideas to the class.
Students from ages 4 to 12 participate in the classes, which are divided by age into two groups. Two classes of students ages 4-7, and one class of students ages 8-12 meet two times per week for the month of June. Jenson said they make time during the class for a game and snacks. Jessica Carlblom assists Jenson and Dietrich.
The culmination of the class is an exhibit at the preschool which family, friends, and community members can attend. Jenson said the students love taking part in this exhibit. This year the exhibit will be held Monday, June 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For full story, see Thursday's edition of the Valley City Times-Record.