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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (June 27, 2011) — The fine arts are in the spotlight this week at Milligan College as more than 125 elementary, middle school and high school students are on campus to celebrate and learn about the arts.
The college is hosting two fine arts programs—the Milligan College Fine Arts Summer Academy for high school students ages 14 to 18 (June 26-July 2) and the Summer Arts Camp for children ages 7 to 13 (June 27-July 1).
Fine Arts Summer Academy
The Milligan College Fine Arts Summer Academy is an opportunity for high school students to cultivate their talents on the campus of a premier liberal arts college—while earning dual enrollment college credit.
Now in its second year, the Fine Arts Academy welcomes 43 students from 13 states to Milligan’s campus this week. The participants choose from four fine arts concentrations including music, theater, digital photography or multimedia studies.
“Last year’s inaugural Fine Arts Academy was a great success, and this year the enrollment has more than doubled,” said Lee Fierbaugh, vice president for marketing and enrollment management at Milligan. “Not only do the students benefit from the expertise and direction of Milligan’s faculty, they also have a lot of fun and make new friends who share their interest in the fine arts.”
The program includes hands-on workshops and lessons, afternoon and evening activities, worship and devotion times, food, and fun outings to local destinations. Students have the option of staying in Milligan’s residence halls throughout the week or participating as a day student.
During their time at the Fine Arts Academy, the students prepare musical, stage and multimedia productions and performances. The week culminates with a showcase of their work on Friday, July 1, at 7 p.m. in Milligan’s Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts. The event is free and open to the public.
Summer Arts Camp
For 20 years, the Summer Arts Camp has been the region’s original arts-in-the-summer day camp. It’s directed by Milligan alumnus and teacher Keith Hertzog, who retired this year from Woodland Elementary School in Johnson City, Tenn.
Hertzog and Carlene Eastridge, camp coordinator and owner of Eastridge Academy of Music, join teachers from throughout the region each summer to educate students about the arts and encourage them to explore their unique gifts and ideas in a fun, Christian environment.
“Our theme this year is ‘Bringing Lines to Life,’” Eastridge said. “Throughout the week, the children will explore how lines are used in art, music, drama, literature, movement and choreography.”
The children will also share a sampling of their activities at a closing program on Friday, July 1, at 3:30 p.m. in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Milligan’s Seeger Memorial Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about the fine arts camps at Milligan, call 423.461.8756.