Vail Valley Art Guild adds kids programs this summer
New location in Avon provides space for art and music
Art Guild at Avon/Courtesy photo
School’s out and kids are always looking for something to do. In addition to all the sports camps, adventure camps and science camps in Eagle County, the Vail Valley Art Guild is now offering music and art camps for youth.
Throughout the Vail Valley Art Guild’s 10 years, its mission has always been to serve more people in the community and promote the arts. This summer, due to a new space that was secured in Avon, the guild now has additional space to teach classes, host workshops and house artwork. In addition to its current location in downtown Eagle on Second Street, the Seasons building in Avon will host events and is now the home of the Art Guild at Avon.
“We have always worked with the students from Battle Mountain and Eagle Valley High Schools but wanted to reach younger children as well. This summer we are fortunate to be able to work with Jessica Pinto to offer bilingual art and music classes to children from five to 14 years old in the new Avon location,” said Melissa Nelson, president of Vail Valley Art Guild.
Pinto is excited to share her love of art and dance with local youth. From Venezuela, Pinto grew up surrounded by art and music. Her mother was an artist and her father’s love for Latin dance and Spanish music introduced her to the vibrant world of flamenco. Pinto performs flamenco dance and teaches dance around the valley.
“Being creative fills my heart in ways nothing else can, and now, having the opportunity to teach these classes and guide children on their own paths of self-discovery is a dream come true,” Pinto said.
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On the art side of things, Pinto said the kids will explore various mediums such as acrylics, watercolor and clay, each offering unique techniques and possibilities.
“They’ll learn to blend colors, create textures, and experiment with washes and gradients, while hands-on clay activities will enhance their fine motor skills and spatial awareness,” Pinto said.
On the musical side, Pinto, along with her band members from Dwende Flamenco, Diego Espinosa and Santiago Doglione, will teach children how to recognize and create different rhythms, understand fundamental musical patterns and be introduced to a variety of instruments like drums, keyboards and string instruments. This integrated approach enhances cognitive development by engaging different parts of the brain responsible for creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking. The fact that this is bilingual also takes the learning to a new level.
“By integrating both English and Spanish into the curriculum, these programs offer a unique, inclusive environment where children of all ages can express their creativity and cultural heritage. As they paint, sing and play instruments, they not only develop their artistic and musical skills but also enhance their language abilities and cultural understanding,” Pinto said. “This dual immersion fosters a sense of unity and appreciation among the diverse families in the Vail Valley, enriching the community as a whole and preparing the children for a bright, interconnected future.”
“We have scholarships available for kids from underserved communities and plan to have an art show for our young participants at the end of the summer session in mid-August,” Nelson said.
Find out more about pricing, financial aid and class schedules at VVAGCO.org.
