Summer Arts: Free programs at metro libraries and recreation centers

Libraries and recreation centers in the metro area will be filled with a variety of free visual and performing arts programming this summer thanks to a partnership between the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, the Metropolitan Library System and Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation. 

Neighborhood Arts brings free, daily performances to libraries in Oklahoma County and Arts in the Park brings free visual art classes to eight recreation centers across Oklahoma City. 

Throughout June and July, local groups such as the Groovemeant Community, OKC Improv, Lyric Theatre, Lucas Ross and the Oklahoma Violin Ensemble will perform at 19 libraries as part of Neighborhood Arts. Kids can expect a variety of music and performance art including puppet shows, hip-hop demonstrations, rock music and opera. Every week a new artist will be featured at each library, so kids can experience something new as they come back all summer long. 

"The Metropolitan Library System is a staple in communities across central Oklahoma and we're thankful to partner to bring free programming to kids of all ages," said All Access Arts Director Nick Caudle. "Neighborhood Arts allows us to bring interactive art performances to children in every corner of Oklahoma County and truly embodies our mission of bringing the arts and the community together."  

At Arts in the Park, free visual art classes will be held at eight recreation centers across Oklahoma City. Classes are taught by professional teaching artists on a set schedule each week, taking place each Tuesday - Thursday in June and July. These free classes will allow kids to boost their creativity and hone skills like drawing, painting, working with clay and more.  

"The summer months are crucial for a child's development and allowing them the opportunity to flex their creative muscles through the arts is instrumental for a well-rounded education," said All Access Arts Coordinator Liliana Gordon. "With Arts in the Park, kids only need to travel as far as their local recreation center to participate in entertaining, hands-on art classes to keep their minds sharp." 

Summer art programs and camps are often structured differently than traditional school classes, allowing more space for children to express themselves creatively while learning new concepts and developing skills that ultimately enhance learning in the classroom. Studies show that exposure tothe arts gives children necessary problem-solving abilities, creativity, literacy, fine and gross motor skills, connection and understanding.  

“We have wonderful partnerships with schools in Oklahoma City that allow us to offer Arts in Schools programs to kids throughout the school year, but summertime learning is a necessary aspect of a child's growth," said Arts Council OKC Executive Director Angela Cozby. "These programs are an outstanding opportunity to bridge the gap between school years, allowing kids to continue to grow and evolve while they're away from the classroom." 

Click here for the Neighborhood Arts schedule and here for Art in the Park.