Henry Daily Herald

Photo by Juliette Beckham Several youth have been taking part in activities this week geared toward keeping youngsters engaged in creative and artistic activities during their summer break from school.

Dozens of local children are learning about the arts during the Henry Arts Alliance’s summer Arts Camp. The camp — held this week at Smith-Barnes Elementary School in Stockbridge — plans to host its Arts Camp Finale on Friday.

The finale will feature a gallery of children’s artwork as well as a presentation of the musical, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” as performed by camp participants.

The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., at the Henry County Performing Arts Center, 37 Lemon St., McDonough. It is free and open to the public.

The musical caps off a week’s worth of instruction in the arts for the young campers.

“Arts Camp is all about fun,” said Arts Camp Artistic and Theater Director Lynna Schmidt, who is also president of the Henry Arts Alliance. “We know everyone is not a natural artist or actor, but we encourage all our campers to try something new. And, hopefully, they will gain an appreciation of the arts that will last a lifetime.”

The camp was established in 1994, by the Henry Arts Alliance, and has since grown from 30 to roughly 120 participants each summer.

Children, ages 6 to 10, are participated in the Exploring the Arts session, where they participated half-days in art, drama, literature, dance and music activities. Campers, ages 11 to 14, participated in a full-day Exploring the Arts session or a full-day Visual Arts session. The Visual Arts session allowed campers to take part in art, literature and music.

To learn more about the Henry Arts Alliance or its Arts Camp, visit www.henryartsalliance.org.