Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2017

COASTNOTES Summer&camps
offer variety opportunity
story by Alexis Williams
photos courtesy of Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center
Nestled in the heart of Ocean Springs,
the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center offers summer camp opportunities for aspiring artists, musicians, chefs and actors.
Altered Booking class where campers took old, retired books and used them to make works of art.
1600 Government St., Ocean Springs 228.818.2878 www.themaryc.org
Junior Chef Cooking Camp with Chef Cheri Hiers 22 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2017
Biloxi Junior High student Gracie Hankins began attending summer camps at the Mary C. when she was
ten years old. Her first camp was Altered Booking where campers took old, retired books and used them to make works of art. “The possibilities were really endless,” says Hankins. Today, the 14-year- old continues her art studies at the Mary C. with art instructor Carmen Lugo, who was her first camp instructor. “Carmen is an incredible teacher,
and I’m constantly learning new things because of her,” Hankins added.
Lugo is one of several instructors who teach various summer camps at the Mary C. She has been involved in their summer camp offerings for more than five years and also teaches additional youth and teen classes during the school year.
“Our camps make an impact on children’s lives, and are a good opportunity for them to focus and develop skills,” says Lugo.
Camp offerings at the
Mary C. include Junior Chef Cooking Camps with Chef Cheri Hiers. Students get a hands-on prep and cooking experience in Becky’s Kitchen
and parents can join them to taste their delicious dishes for lunch in the Café.
Cliff Thompson leads theatre camps during the summer aimed at students of all ages. They work on scripting and performance skills and in conjunction Lugo’s classes will design and produce props for the theatre camp performances.
Throughout the summer, the Mary C. will offer more than 25 different camps beginning June 5. Sessions are offered weekly through the last week in July. Most camps are either morning or afternoon sessions, but students may bring lunch and stay all day to participate in both sessions.
“I would definitely recommend students attending a Mary C. summer camp because they are extremely educational and the teachers treat you with respect,” Hankins said. “There is also
a very laid-back, no pressure attitude about every class which can help students become more comfortable.”
Hankins has continued
her art studies and has even participated and put together art shows with the help of Lugo and other aspiring artists.
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