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In the past, the Johnson Center for the Arts has offered both free and paid art classes to the community, depending on whether or not funds were available.

But a grant was recently obtained through the Daniel Foundation of Alabama to cover costs and make these classes available to the community free for the next year. These funds will compensate the artists and cover materials said Andre Pack, JCA director.

But Second Saturday is only a small portion of what the Johnson Center plans to do with these funds.

“On September 14, there will be a special collaboration at Troy University’s campus for an expanded JCA Kid’s Book Club event with the Society for Creative Anachronism,” Pack said.

“This is a club of medieval enthusiasts who will bring their knowledge and passion for literature and culture of the middle ages to elementary aged kids from the Prattville area.”

The International Art Center will host an ArtSpark activity that morning, with the book club in the afternoon.

“Mark your calendars now for this fun day especially for children’s cultural arts education about the middle ages.”

Other classes that are provided in part or full through the Daniel Foundation of Alabama grant are Troy First Methodist Church summer art classes, Charles Henderson Child Health Center Art Expression Sessions, ArtPlay, Sunshine Art for Seniors, which is also sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts at Troy Regional Medical Center, and Boys and Girls club weekly year-round art classes, which are also sponsored by the Corley Chapman Foundation, Pack said.

Also, Amp Up Arts is bringing art carts into five area schools as a resource for teachers and working on donated instruments for students and Arts Integration training for teachers.

Three more locations are in the works for area classes but will be announced when established, Pack said.

If there are community organizations or schools that need arts experiences, the Johnson Center’s mission is to bring exposure to a wide variety of art forms to community members of all ages and abilities.

“We want to make the arts as accessible as possible, Pack said. “We believe that arts education and arts participation are essential aspects of a well-balanced community and a well-lived life.”

(To register for an upcoming class or for more details, visit www.jcatroy.org. Registration fees are to hold the spot only, and will be refunded upon attendance.)