West Virginia Universitys Community Arts Program will offer a puppetry class for youngsters ages 9-14 at the Creative Arts Center. The two-semester class begins on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Taught by artist Debra Hart, the class includes four fall sessions on Oct. 7, 21, 28 and Nov. 4. There will also be four sessions in the spring during Jan. 20 through Feb. 10. All classes will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

According to Community Arts Program Director Jeanne Frieben, the class is an exploration of puppetry as a medium of self expression, as well as in introduction to storytelling and theater.

The students will learn how to make puppets out of found or recycled items and also techniques for making masks and masquerading,Freiben said.They will learn to express their thoughts and feelings through puppetry. Themes will include concepts of multiculturalism such as customs and traditions around the world, sharing of different cultures and their celebrations, and learning about the world we live in through the eyes of puppets.

Debra Hart graduated from the WVU Division of Art with a masters degree in art education. She also holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She worked in the design, marketing and advertising world for many years prior to pursuing her masters degree with pre-K through college teaching certification. Debra has joined the WVU Puppet Mobile for in-depth holiday weekend workshops at The Greenbrier. She has also served with Arts Monongahela, Inc., Appalachian Education Initiative, and the Monongalia Arts Center to promote the arts in education throughout the state of West Virginia.

The cost of the class, including both spring and fall sessions, is $160. All instruction is supervised by the director of the studio and the theatre/puppetry department faculty and staff. Most materials will be provided by the Community Arts Program. There also will be a short performance and reception for families and friends of the students on the last Saturday of classes.

For registration information, contact the WVU Community Arts Program. 304-293-4841, ext. 3168 or visit the website atwww.ccarts.wvu.edu/community_arts/.