New classes are being offered this spring through the West Virginia University Community Arts Program at the Creative Arts Center on the Evansdale Campus.

The program is currently registering students for classes in music, art, theater and dance through Friday (Jan. 18). New offerings this semester include fun art classes for children and adults, said Jeanne Frieben, program director.

Classes include the following:

• SmArt Kids (ages 3-5), taught by Heidi Sherwin, combines stories, music and art in one interactive class. For six weeks, childrens literature and music will guide the exploration of special themes, includingMagical Kingdoms,Down on the Farm,Yummy Tummy Timeand more. Children will create crafts during each class, using a variety of materials and media.

• Mask Making for Kids (ages 5-8), taught by Deborah Hart, will explore the art of mask making through the ages. Students will learn the 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.

• Introduction to Digital Photography (ages 13 and up) will be taught by David Bess. Students in this class will learn how to most effectively use the many features of the digital camera to shoot well-composed, artistic-looking digital photos. The course will emphasize basic photographic skills and cover topics such as equipment, lenses, focusing, ISO , depth of field, shooting modes, how to use artificial light, composition and basic editing on the computer. The course will also feature a field trip.

• Introduction to Adobe Photoshop is a new class for adults taught by Charles Lejeune. In this eight-week class, participants will be introduced to Adobe Photoshop software and will learn basic functions and special tips for enhancing and adjusting images. Topics will include user interface, tools, layers, filters and basic photo restoration.

• Introduction to Music for Adults: Listening and Appreciation is taught by Christine Tan. In this 12-week class, students will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of music through learning basic concepts and traditions of Western art music. They will discuss social, political and other influences on Western music through the ages, with an emphasis on listening to music to help build a foundation of knowledge.

• Beginning Ballet for Teens , taught by Elizabeth Convey, is an eight-week class held in the dance studio at Elizabeth Moore Hall on the Downtown Campus. Students in the course will study the techniques and style of classical ballet.

• Yoga 4 Creativity , a class for adults, will teach the basics of yoga and how it can relieve the mind and body of stress, generating more room for the essential flow of creative energy. All levels of experience are welcome in this motivating, flow-style class.

In addition to the new classes listed above, the WVU Community Arts Program offers many other classes in art, theater, music and dance, as well as private music lessons in piano, organ, voice, jazz singing, brass, percussion, woodwind, strings, Suzuki violin, harp, guitar, theory and composition, jazz improvisation and conducting.

Students may register for classes after the official registration period ends, but a late fee will be in effect at that time.

For more information or to register, 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 Monday, Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.