<p>McKenzi Schiewe (front) and Brooklyn McKillip work on mosaic projects at Slug Soup. Submitted photo</p>

CLOVERDALE Community Arts Project (CAP) is presenting its 17th annual childrens art day camp, Slug Soup, Monday, June 25, through Friday, June 29, at Nestucca High School, 34660 Parkway Drive. The popular program is open to any young person going into preschool through 12th grade next fall. Its a creative, energy-filled week during which students experience new art forms, learn from local artist instructors, make new friends and celebrate their unique creativity.

Slug Soup is a great opportunity for kids to try their hands at a variety of art forms just for the fun of it, said Kim Cavatorta, program director. Its amazing what happens in those five days. Lots of thoughtful, inspired art is produced, of course, but also a close little community of friendship develops that includes the kids as well as a supportive and nurturing group of adult teachers and volunteers. Its an excellent place to spend a summer week.

The 16 classes to be presented this year include two preschool classes for children ages 3 to 5 using things found in nature to create abstract art, bird feeders and nests and other nature-inspired projects. Classes for the kindergarten and older students will include painting, kinetic (moving) art, printing, collage, 3-D paper animals, theater skills, paper sculpture, relief sculpture using recycled materials, watercolor, drawing and photography. Students may attend a morning class and/or an afternoon class each day and all materials are provided. The various classes are offered to different age groups. Tuition is $35 per class for students who live within the Nestucca Valley School District or $65 for students who live outside the school district.

At the end of the week, family and community members are welcome to join Slug Soup artists for a celebration of their weeks creativity. The party is from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 29, at Nestucca High School. Artwork, performances and refreshments will be on the agenda.

Thanks to many generous contributing individuals, organizations and businesses, anyone interested can attend Slug Soup. If a familys finances are tight this year, there is financial assistance available. Families needing assistance can just indicate so on the Slug Soup registration form.

Community Arts Project always welcomes tax-deductible donations to help with scholarships and expenses associated with running the program. Our goal is to keep tuition reasonable and contributions make this possible, explained Cavatorta. Helping make this happen this year are the Slug Soup 2012 sponsors: Nestucca Valley School District, Linus Carlson, Neskowin Community Association, Nesko Womens Club, Cathy and Bruce Kuehnl, Bayshore Family Medicine, Tillamook Vision Center, Tillamook County Creamery Association and Wing Ridge Construction.

There is still space available in classes, but class size is limited, so register soon. Contact Cavatorta at (503) 392-4581 or info@communityartsproject.net if you have questions or would like a registration flyer. Flyers are also available at the Tillamook and Pacific City libraries, or go to www.communityartsproject.net and click on Slug Soup.