Wag-O-Ween Weekend 2021 is a pet-friendly community event that takes place in downtown Savannah and attracts 1000+ yearly participants.

Money raised supports local animal rescues in their mission to place pets in ‘furever’ homes, subsidize no-barrier community spay and neuter, and support community education programs.

This year’s event will take place over two days – Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 23-24 2021, from noon-5PM – to allow for a less-crowded trick or treat route and social distancing at treat stops.

2021 swag bags, wristbands, and maps will be available for purchase both Saturday and Sunday at WoW registration booths ands pre-order

Pre-orders available now online here.

Please wear masks during these outdoor contact with vendors and treat stops.

Learn more here. 

10 kid-friendly local spots to visit this fall include Oatland Island Wildlife Center (pictured) in Savannah, home to more than 150 animals exhibited in natural habitats along a trail through forest and marsh lands. Exhibits include the “Wolf Wilderness” featuring gray wolves, armadillos, flying squirrels, screech owls and reptiles as well the Georgia Farm area with cows, sheep, goats and rabbits. Along the trail are cougars, bobcats, bison, alligators, red fox and birds of prey.

This week’s SouthernMamas.com newspaper article: 10 Places in Savannah & the Lowcountry to explore this fall with your kids.

1. Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
$5 for parking.
52 Diamond Causeway
Savannah, GA 31411
912-598-2300

3. The Sandbox Children’s Museum & Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Is.
All Sandbox Children’s Museum admissions ticketing is now online here. 
$10 per person; free for members and children ages 11 months and younger; $7.50 for seniors ages 65 and older and active military members with valid ID; $3 EBT(SNAP) holders with valid ID and $3 for EBT children and infants
80 Nassau St.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-7645

Lowcountry Celebration Park
Free
94 Pope Avenue
Hilton Head Island 29928

4. Poppell Farms, Odum, Ga.
Poppell Farms opens Sat. Oct. 2 for the 2021 fall season, weekends Oct. 2-Oct. 31 2021.
Find hours at www.poppellfarms.com
$15 plus tax for Saturday/Sunday daytime admission for ages 4 and older.
1765 Hyma Poppell Loop
Odum, GA 31555
912-586-2215

5. Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah
$5 for adults ages 17-64; $3 for children ages 3-17; seniors and military with valid ID; free for children ages 3 and younger.
711 Sandtown Road
Savannah, GA 31410​
(912) 395-1212

6. Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, Savannah
$20 for adults; $18 for seniors, military with valid ID; $15 for students ages 13-25 with valid student ID; $5 for ages 5-12; free for ages 5 and younger.
207 W. York St.
Savannah, GA 31401
912-790-8800

7. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Hilton Head Is.
Free
229 Beach City Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
843-255-7301

8. Savannah Children’s Museum
$8 per person (ages 18 month and older)
655 Louisville Rd.
Savannah, 31401
912-651-4292

9. Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah
$11 per adult, $7 per child (ages 2-12)
601 W. Harris St.
Savannah, 31401
912.651.6823

10. Old Fort Jackson, Savannah
$9 per adult, $5 per child (ages 2-12)
1 Fort Jackson Road
Savannah, 31401
912.232.3945

Learn more here.

10 kid-friendly local spots to visit this fall include Mitchelville Freedom Park (pictured) on Hilton Head Is., a free outdoor cultural attraction. This is the first place in the United States where Africans in America, just out of slavery and not yet citizens, governed themselves. Self-guided tours of exhibits.

At Creative Spirit Art School in Savannah, artist & art educator Julie Cummings offers art classes for all ages and skill levels – painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture/ceramics, mixed media, materials and techniques, skill building and experimental arts.
.
Also offered: portfolio prep geared towards developing artistic skills, knowledge of materials and techniques and preparation of portfolio for middle school, high school, and college.

Art Sessions
Choose from:
Art Explorations/Portfolio Prep/
Creative Kiddos/Intermediate/Advanced Art classes

Your Session includes, 5 (60 minute) art classes with all materials included
Cost: $155 per Session
(Make up days can be scheduled for missed classes.)

Because there are no more than four students per class, Julie is able to provide an individualized teaching approach.

Learn more here. 

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About Artist & Art Educator Julie Cummings

Julie Cummings, artist and art educator at Creative Spirit Art School in Savannah has 14+ years of experience. She also has two years of specialized post graduate Art Therapy education and experience. Julie’s education background includes: BFA Painting/Drawing, LSU; MFA Illustration, SCAD; 2 years Post Grad Ed, Art Therapy, SMWC.

Julie’s teaching experience includes: five years K-12 and 6 years at the collegiate level, AASU. Julie has experience working with individuals with special needs including older adults with memory disorders. Julie’s worked with all ages and truly believes there is an artist in everyone.

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Creative Spirit Art School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Jason Statts of Savannah died Sept. 17 at Hospice Savannah.

Jason Statts, a 1996 SCAD graduate, was seriously wounded when an armed robber shot him in the neck on June 28, 2008, causing irreparable damage to Statts’ spinal column. Statts was a well-known and beloved professional graphic designer and local musician.

For years, Friends of Jason Statts have held an annual Savannah benefit to help subsidize medical care that Statts, a quadriplegic as a result of the shooting, requires.

This year the 12th Annual Statts Fest will be a celebration of Jason’s life 3-7PM Oct. 10 2021 at Starland Yard in Savannah. Learn more here.

There will be live music from Joe Nelson and James Pittman, Damon and the Sh*tkickers, and Bottles & Cans. There will also be food trucks, a raffle and Statts merchandise for sale. The celebration of life event will feature remarks by dear friends, a moment of remembrance and a slideshow of photos of Jason throughout the years.

Donations will be accepted at the door with a suggested donation of $10+/person. All money raised will go to Jason’s end of life care and outstanding medical bills.

The brainchild of longtime peers (through Statts’ many associations as a 1996 alumnus of SCAD, a professional art director, illustrator, and local musician), the inaugural Friends of Statts event was held at The Jinx in 2009. Over the years FOS has rallied in various venues and formats, but the essence is always the same: On this occasion in Savannah, we’re all Friends of Statts.

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DONATE @ GOFUNDME

2021 KiDS Rock Savannah is happening!

Online registration is now open for 2021 KiDS Rock Savannah 2:30PM Sun. Nov. 7 2021 @ Daffin Park in Savannah. Children ages 1-17 are invited to participate.

New this year: a toddler race for kids ages 1 year-3years. The race distance is 80ft for the toddlers. There will also be a 1/2 mile (ages 3-8) or one mile (ages 5-17).

Each participant gets a t-shirt, medal, bag and racing bib.

Running-1 Mile: KiDS ROCK Savannah 1 mile (ages 5-17). Cost: $20. Register online here. 

Running-1/2 mile (ages 3-8). Cost: $20. Register online here. 

Toddler Race 80 ft (ages 1-3): Cost $20. Register online here. 

Daffin Park
1301 E Victory Dr.
Savannah, GA 31404

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KiDS Rock Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Artist Concept Only ©Disney/Lucasfilm

Calling all Star Wars fans… this is just for you!

Two Sisters Travel has all the details on the brand-new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience that is launching at Walt Disney World Spring 2022.

You and your group will embark on a first-of-its-kind Star Wars 2-night adventure where you are the hero. It’s the most immersive Star Wars story ever created—part live immersive theater, part themed environment, part culinary extravaganza, part real-life role-playing game—and yet so much more.

Experience and journey further into a Star Wars adventure than you ever dreamed possible.

Arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort terminal, board a launch pod and rendezvous with the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser. Stay in a cabin or suite with an exquisite view of space. Throughout the ship, you’ll interact with an eclectic collection of characters, sit down to exotic galactic cuisine and perhaps even plot a secret mission together.

Every Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser vacation package includes a 2-night stay in a well-appointed cabin or suite, meals (excluding alcoholic and specialty beverages) and the opportunity to live your Star Wars story through exclusive experiences, missions and activities.

Check out the online brochure for all the details.

The vacation adventure also includes entry to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—as well as the rest of Disney’s Hollywood Studios—for your planetary excursion to Batuu. Valet parking is also included.

If you’re a Star Wars fan this experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become part of of the story in this legendary saga.

Join Two Sisters Travel waitlist now to be one of the firsts to experience Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

Tara McCoy
TwoSistersTravelco.com
843.284.3241

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Two Sisters Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Poppell Farms opens for the 2021 Fall season, weekends Oct. 2-Oct. 31 2021. 

Poppell Family Farms pumpkin patch, 10-acre maze, hayrides, farm fun, giant outdoor jumping pillows, barnyard & farm games & activities are open every Saturday & Sunday Oct. 2-Oct. 31 2021.

It will be Poppell Farm’s 20th Year Celebration!

Learn more here. 

Poppell Farms, email  here, (912) 586-2215, 1765 Hyma Poppell Loop, Odum, 31555 . On Facebook here. Poppell Farms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Is your child interested in attending Savannah Arts Academy or Garrison School of the Arts in Savannah? Scribble Art Studio in Savannah can help students prepare a portfolio.

Portfolio Builders Class @ Scribble Art Studio, Savannah

Scribble Art Studio’s Portfolio Builder sessions in Savannah are ideal for those students wishing to build a strong portfolio of diverse work for personal purposes or for entrance to an arts related academy.

Sign up anytime to join Scribble’s Portfolio Builder sessions.

2021-2022 sessions begin Mon. Aug. 30 2021 and continue until the end of the school year.

The cost for each block of five classes is $200 and includes all materials needed for the class.

Portfolio Builders Class
Choose a day: Monday through Friday
Choose a time: 4:30-5:30PM or 5:15-6:15PM
$200 for a session of 5 classes
Start anytime, any day!
All art supplies included

Register online here. 
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Scribble Art Studio in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

As COVID-19 cases continue in our area, some schools are transitioning from in-person learning to virtual learning.

SouthCoast Health Pediatrics experts know this can be a challenging time for your children and have outlined some tips to help them.

Learn more here. 

If you need more tips on navigating school online or tips on how to stay safe during this time, you can book an appointment or call SouthCoast Health at 912-691-3600.

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SouthCoast Health Pediatrics locations

Savannah: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Savannah
Eisenhower Drive Medical Center
310 Eisenhower Dr, Bldg 16
912.303.3500

Richmond Hill: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Richmond Hill
St. Joseph’s / Candler Medical Office Park
10055 Ford Ave,Ste 4A
912.527.5352

Rincon: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Rincon
814 Towne Park Dr East
912.826.4866

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Calvary Day School Open House, Sunday, Nov. 7 2021, 2PM

You & your family are invited to get a first-hand glimpse of all the amazing opportunities available for students in Pre-K through 12th grade through private tours of Calvary Day School in Savannah 

Calvary Day School private tours are the perfect chance to see what today’s learners are doing to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Learn more here

Calvary Day School, 4625 Waters Ave, Savannah

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Open Houses 

Calvary Day School Open House dates are listed under the “Visit Us” tab of the Admissions section.

The next open house is Sun. Nov. 7 2021, 2PM.

Please contact the Admissions Office at (912) 351-0700 to register for this event.

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Campus Tours

Campus tours are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year by appointment only. Please call Calvary’s admissions department at (912) 351-0700 or email admissions@calvarydayschool.com to schedule your tour.  Scheduled assessment and shadow days will be on Wednesdays by appointment.

Upon completion of the open house or a campus tour, an admissions checklist will be emailed to the family. All items must be presented in completion on the day of the Admissions assessment.

Learn more here.

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To learn more about Calvary Day School, visit their website at www.calvarydayschool.com.

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Advanced Academics in Pooler

Advanced Academics is a microschool, which does mean a small campus, but also means that Advanced Academics can customize education for each child. Face-to-face customized learning on a small campus provides an enriched learning environment.

Tutoring for K-12 is also offered as well as full & half day learning.

Learn more here.

_________________________________________________

Advanced Academics
email: adv.aca.mail@gmail.com
912-348-2017
405 Hwy 80, Suite 104
Pooler, GA 31322

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Advanced Academics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Summer is fading into Fall, but don’t let your guard down when it comes to protecting your skin.

Even during fall, excess sunlight (particularly its harmful UV rays) can still lead to skin cancer, the most common — and most preventable — form of cancer in the U.S.

SouthCoast Health experts share the three main types of skin cancer and their own unique characteristics, as well as the best ways ways to protect your and your children’s skin from the sun.

Learn more here. 

For more advice, or to schedule a post-summer checkup, visit SouthCoast Health website for an appointment or call 912-691-3600.

______________________________

SouthCoast Health Pediatrics locations

Savannah: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Savannah
Eisenhower Drive Medical Center
310 Eisenhower Dr, Bldg 16
912.303.3500

Richmond Hill: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Richmond Hill
St. Joseph’s / Candler Medical Office Park
10055 Ford Ave,Ste 4A
912.527.5352

Rincon: SouthCoast Health Pediatrics Rincon
814 Towne Park Dr East
912.826.4866

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Listening to Those Rejecting the Vaccine – Special Session, Mon. Sep. 27, 6:30PM
An online conversation to hear concerns about vaccine acceptance from Savannah area citizens who are not vaccinated.

Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia will hold a special virtual “Listening Session” on Monday, Sep. 27 to hear from those who are not accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. This effort, along with an initiative to train 65 community advocates beginning in October, is part of a focus on COVID-19 vaccine education, awareness and acceptance, particularly in Savannah’s Black and Hispanic communities.

Funded by a supplemental grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the program is intended to broaden the initiatives of the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant.

The online listening session will provide a “safe space” platform for those who are not accepting the vaccine to voice their thoughts, concerns and questions. The event is scheduled for 6:30PM Mon. Sept. 27. Those wishing to attend should RSVP to elsie@healthysavannah.org. A link will be sent to those who RSVP.

Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia team members are also hoping this virtual listening session, along with three held earlier in the summer, will help identify potential community advocates. Neighborhood leaders, church leaders and community organizers are encouraged to apply.

Virtual training sessions for the advocate program will begin October 2 with the ultimate goal of creating community-acceptable approaches for improving vaccination availability, accessibility, and confidence. Utilizing their background, experiences, interests and skillsets, the advocates will be trained to speak to and learn from the community by meeting with community and faith-based organizations as well as local business owners.

In addition to the $500 they’ll receive for completing the program, the advocates will have the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills, learn about health advocacy, and add to their resumes.

Training in small groups of about 10 each will get underway beginning Oct. 2 with the ultimate goal of creating community-acceptable approaches for improving vaccination availability, accessibility, and confidence.

To register for the Sep. 27 listening and info session, apply to become a community advocate or learn more, please visit https://healthysavannah.org/community-advocate-program/ or email elsei@healthysavannah.org.

Lowcountry Celebration Park

Visit to the new Lowcountry Celebration Park on Hilton Head Is.

The new park off Pope Avenue near the Coligny Beach parking lot and Coligny Beach Park features:
*The Adventure Playground, named after the ship Captain William Hilton was on when he discovered Hilton Head Island. It features a reimagined design of the ship, playground, wading pool and more.
*An open pavilion and lawn for events.
*A perimeter walk
*Two fitness stations
*Wi-Fi
*The Sandbox Children’s Museum
*Public restrooms

Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Ave.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Kid’s Dentistree – What Do You Do If Your Child Has a Toothache?

In this guest post, Kid’s Dentistree – a pediatric dentist in Richmond Hill – is sharing tips on what to do if your child has a toothache.

Is your child complaining of tooth pain but unsure if the issue is serious enough for a visit to the dentist? Kid’s Dentistree has provided a few tips to help you identify the problem, ease your child’s pain, and help them get the care they need:

If you determine your child needs to be seen, you can easily make an appointment. Visit Kid’s Dentistree’s or call (912) 756-5437 to schedule your child’s visit today.

The Kid’s Dentistree office is located in the “Clock Tower” building, right next to The Suites at Station Exchange on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill.

Kid’s Dentistree
912-756-5437
1101 Gandy Dancer
Richmond Hill, GA 31324

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Kid’s Dentistree in Richmond Hill is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The Savannah Philharmonic free ‘Phil the Park’ concert, Nov. 14 2021

This free, outdoor, family-friendly concert will take place on Sun. November 14, 2021 on the lawn of the Metal Building at Kehoe Iron Works/Trustees’ Garden (also known as Morris Park) located at 660 E. Broughton St. in Savannah.

The grounds will open at 2PM and live music will begin at 3PM. The 5PM concert will feature the Savannah Philharmonic orchestra, 2020 and 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition winners, and the Philharmonic Chorus. The orchestra will perform classical favorites, pops, movie soundtracks, and beloved patriotic pieces.

Patrons can set up lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets, grab a bite from a variety of local food trucks, and enjoy the world premiere of Robin Beauchamp’s “Sleepy Town,” taking inspiration from a children’s book by the founders of Paris Market and Brocante, Paula and Taras Danyluk.

Sponsors for the 2021 Phil the Park include – Enmarket, WTOC, CIBC, Bank of America, Collins Quarter, and Patricia J. Clark. Investment by the City of Savannah.

Capacity is limited, so reserve your free tickets today.

Free tickets are available online here.

Poppell Farms opens for the 2021 Fall season, weekends Oct. 2-Oct. 31 2021. 

Poppell Family Farms pumpkin patch, 10-acre maze, hayrides, farm fun, giant outdoor jumping pillows, barnyard & farm games & activities are open every Saturday & Sunday Oct. 2-Oct. 31 2021.

It will be Poppell Farm’s 20th Year Celebration!

Learn more here. 

Poppell Farms, email  here, (912) 586-2215, 1765 Hyma Poppell Loop, Odum, 31555 . On Facebook here. Poppell Farms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Halloween Hike 2021 @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah

Tickets are by RESERVATIONS ONLY with no day of – onsite sales.

Take a walk with your Trick or Treaters​ down the forest trail to meet and gather goodies from friendly animal characters @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center’s annual Halloween Hike. Mother Earth will be there to show you the way. Along the trails, various character and candy stops await. There will be crafts, face painting, a fossil hunt and many more monstrous activities that await your arrival.​

Admission is $5 for adults and $10 for children. ADMISSION IS VIA ONLINE RESERVATION ONLY. No one will be admitted without a reservation.

Check here Oct. 1 2021 for when Halloween Hike 2021 reservations will open.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Oatland Island’s annual Halloween Hike will return on October 15th & 16th 2021, from 5 – 8PM.

Last hike leaves at 8PM.

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Friends of Oatland Island Island Wildlife Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Advanced Academics in Pooler

Advanced Academics is a microschool, which does mean a small campus, but also means that Advanced Academics can customize education for each child. Face-to-face customized learning on a small campus provides an enriched learning environment.

Tutoring for K-12 is also offered as well as full & half day learning.

Learn more here.

_________________________________________________

Advanced Academics
email: adv.aca.mail@gmail.com
912-348-2017
405 Hwy 80, Suite 104
Pooler, GA 31322

____________________________________

Advanced Academics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

STEAM/MAKER Time, 3-3:45PM Saturdays @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is.

Join The Sandbox Children’s Museum  during the 1:30PM play session for a special STEAM activity @ 3PM.

These hands-on staff-led activities will ignite your child’s love for science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Designed for children ages 5 and older.

Saturdays Oct. 2-Oct. 23 2021.

Free with admission. Reserve your spot for Sandbox’s 1:30 play session online at  www.thesandbox.org

(Please note the new address below)

80 Nassau St.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-7645

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The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

‘FINDING FREEDOM’ FREE FAMILY DAY @ Telfair Museums Jepson Center, Savannah

Sat. Oct. 16 2021 at 10AM–5PM

Telfair offers a free admission family day to Savannah and Chatham County residents to view the exhibition Sonya Clark: Finding Freedom and other current works on view.

The event will include take-home activities available for pickup as well as hands-on activity stations in the Jepson Center  from 1–4PM, docent tours, and an artist demonstration.

Learn more here.

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Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Youth Classes in Fall 2021 @ Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, Savannah 

Telfair Museums new in-person classes for Spring 2021 include:

Youth Portfolio Builder! Painting and Drawing. For ages 9–12. Tuesdays, 4:30–6PM, Sept. 4 – Oct. 5

Youth Portfolio Builder! Painting and Drawing. For ages 12–16. Wednesdays, 4:30–6PM, Sept. 8 – Oct. 6

Digital Photography Camp. For ages 12–16 Mondays, 4:30–6PM | Sept. 9 – Oct. 7

Learn more & register online here.

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Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Join Kindermusik Savannah‘s September Musical play date: PAWS & CLAWS!

Sat. September 18, 2021 @ 10am

Open to children ages 0-7 and their caregivers, Kindermusik will be celebrating our furry friends through music, motion, and more! Each child will receive an instrument to take home, ten Kindermusik songs, and a coupon to apply for future classes.

Enroll today: spaces are very limited.

Save your child a spot at kindermusikwith88keys.com or text 912-432-5885 for more info.

Kindermusik…A Good Beginning Never Ends.

Location: Kindermusik with 88 Keys, 183 Deerfield Rd W, Bloomingdale GA 31302

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Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

At Creative Spirit Art School in Savannah, artist & art educator Julie Cummings offers art classes for all ages and skill levels – painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture/ceramics, mixed media, materials and techniques, skill building and experimental arts.
.
Also offered: portfolio prep geared towards developing artistic skills, knowledge of materials and techniques and preparation of portfolio for middle school, high school, and college.

Art Sessions
Choose from:
Art Explorations/Portfolio Prep/
Creative Kiddos/Intermediate/Advanced Art classes

Your Session includes, 5 (60 minute) art classes with all materials included
Cost: $155 per Session
(Make up days can be scheduled for missed classes.)

Because there are no more than four students per class, Julie is able to provide an individualized teaching approach.

Learn more here. 

____________________________

About Artist & Art Educator Julie Cummings

Julie Cummings, artist and art educator at Creative Spirit Art School in Savannah has 14+ years of experience. She also has two years of specialized post graduate Art Therapy education and experience. Julie’s education background includes: BFA Painting/Drawing, LSU; MFA Illustration, SCAD; 2 years Post Grad Ed, Art Therapy, SMWC.

Julie’s teaching experience includes: five years K-12 and 6 years at the collegiate level, AASU. Julie has experience working with individuals with special needs including older adults with memory disorders. Julie’s worked with all ages and truly believes there is an artist in everyone.

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Creative Spirit Art School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser