University of Findlay holds annual Mazza Art Camp

FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) - The University of Findlay is encouraging kids to express themselves creatively through its Mazza Art Camp.

Kids from grades 3 - 9 took part in five different art projects in the museum's STEAM center, including stained glass painting, flower drawing and creating cardboard sculptures. The five-day camp is part of an initiative to bring more of the public into the museum and the university. Museum officials said the camp allows kids to participate in art activities without the expectation of a grade, which they say helps cultivate a passion for the arts.

"For some kids, art is the thing that they are going to do forever. That's the thing that's going to inspire them in their adult life. That's the thing they're passionate about and we're excited to offer that here," said Kristine Habelman, Mazza Museum education manager. 

"I think we just don't have enough opportunities for kids to do art and not have it be a graded activity in a classroom or to have it be something they get to do for fun."

The museum partnered with area artists and art teachers to teach the children different styles of art. Jeanette Tate, a teacher with Findlay City Schools, said it's important for kids to learn physical forms of art to connect with the world around them.

"I feel like we've gotten pretty heavy on technology and screen time, and I like seeing good old fashioned scissors, paper, glue, markers, crayons, cutting, creating, using your brain, using the world around you, seeing things, doing stuff and making art," said Tate.

The camp ends with a showcase of the students' projects on July 24.