Skip to main content

Annual summer arts institute kicks off at BPAC

Drawing instructor and Delta State art professor Michael Stanley assists a Core Arts camper on the first day of class.

The arts are alive and well this summer at Delta State University. On June 7, 50 enthusiastic students from across the southeastern region joined eight professional artists for the annual Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute Core Arts program at the Bologna Performing Arts Center. 

Now in its 18th summer, MSAI is powerful evidence of the BPAC’s dedication to artistic education, creative exploration and cultural enrichment. MSAI gives young artists the opportunity to choose a diverse course schedule that provides instruction in five artistic disciplines: music, dance, theatre, visual arts and literary arts.

This year, local professors from Delta State unite with guest teaching artists from cities such as Memphis, Jackson and Meridian to offer classes that include songwriting, creative dramatics, ceramics, hip hop dance, graphic design and more.

MSAI Core Arts is a two-week residential program for students ages 12-18 who have a desire to experience new art forms, as well as improve their knowledge and skill level in specific artistic disciplines. In addition to daily artistic classes, students engage in recreational evening activities such as a cookout, karaoke night and an annual talent show.

Campers also benefit from weekend excursions, including an upcoming trip to Memphis to enjoy Cole Porter’s classic musical “Anything Goes.” The Core Arts schedule is packed with exciting events and invigorating classes that allow participants to make new friends and further their creative abilities.

Throughout the camp, young artists and their instructors are gearing up for two final showcases that are free and open to the public. Community members are invited to join the visual art and creative writing classes as they present their works at the closing reception on June 20 at 7 p.m. at the BPAC. The following morning, the performing arts classes will appear in the final performance on June 21 at 10 a.m. at the BPAC.

The 2015 Core Arts program is made possible through support from the Mississippi Arts Commission, Entergy, Double Quick, King’s Daughters and Sons Circle Number Two, Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, Domino’s Pizza, Crosstie Arts Council and Delta Dairy.

For more information on the Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute, call 662-846-4844 or visit www.bolognapac.com.