The West Virginia University Community Arts Program is offering a number of exciting new classes this fall at the Creative Arts Center.

The program is registering students for classes in music, art, theatre and dance through Aug. 31.

New offerings this year include fun art classes for children taught by artist Debra Hart, said Jeanne Frieben, director.

The following classes are available:

• Mask Making for Kids (ages 5-7) �€This class explores the art of mask making through the ages. Students will learn some basic history of masks and mask making, while learning ways to create their own special masks. Projects will be used as a way of promoting self expression, instilling self confidence and as an introduction to storytelling and drama.

• Design Your Own Greeting Cards (ages 8-11) �€This offering is unique because Hart is a former Hallmark Card lettering artist. Students will have fun designing and producing their own set ofall occasioncards while learning how to incorporate the elements of design, lettering and penmanship, as well as letter writing skills into their designs.

• Basket Weaving for Beginners (ages 10 through adult) �€Artist Kerrie Kilburn will teach this class. Students will enjoy a hands-on experience with various reed types and tools while learning the technique of basket weaving. They will also make a medium-size market basket that they can take home.

• Music Together for Homeschoolers (elementary and middle school) �€This is a new class taught by Janna Kisner.This six-week course is designed for home-schooled students who would like an opportunity to participate in a general music class,Frieben said.Students will be able to explore music in a creative environment and participate in group games that will cover basic musical concepts. Some activities will be determined by the age group and needs of the individual students. Assessments will be available at the semesters end for documentation.

• Modern Dance (adults) �€This five-week class taught by WVU dance coordinator Heather Ahern will focus on warming up, musicality, basic dance vocabulary and self-expression.

Other new classes for adults include a series ofSaturday Afternoon Workshopsthat will feature Conditioning Tips from the Dance World (for dancers and non-dancers), taught by Ahern; Michelangelos David: The Most Remarkable Story Behind an Exceedingly Remarkable Sculpture, by art history professor and College of Creative Arts dean Bernie Schultz; The Contemplative Power of Music by music professor David Bess; and The Arts as a Profession, a panel discussion facilitated by art professor Alison Helm, associate professor of music Keith Jackson and Ahern.

In addition, a new Community Arts Pops Choir, taught by Deborah Morgan, is open to students 18 and up who enjoy singing songs from musical theatre and movies, or singing along with hits on the radio. No auditions are required to be in the choir, just a willingness to share a love of music and singing.

For more information about classes, contact the WVU Community Arts Program Office at 304-293-4841, ext. 3168, or visithttp://www.ccarts.wvu.edu/community_arts/.

Office hours are 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, in Room 401A of the Creative Arts Center. The office will be closed Sept. 3 to observe the Labor Day holiday. Students may register for classes after the official registration period ends, but a late fee will be in effect at that time.