The Arts Experience will celebrate 16 seasons of its summer performing and visual arts camp with a special art project to support our troops.  Campers will show support of our troops by illustrating and writing words of hope and encouragement on special greeting cards. The cards will be mailed to soldiers in Iraq at weeks end. TAE is pleased to be partnering with Matthew Hunt, founder of "A Rose of Thanks", a greeting card initiative to show support for our troops.  TAE is also partnering with CVAN (battered women's shelter), Cabarrus Health Alliance and Logan Community Churches, among other agencies to identify at-risk youth who would like to participate in camp, but who simply cannot afford to pay due to family hardships. "Community partnerships play a vital role in our success for the entire community", says Quincy Foil, TAE President.  "It's paramount that our children learn an appreciation for and understanding of people from all cultures and backgrounds."  "This special art project aligns perfectly with TAE's mission - building bridges for youth through arts education that fosters cultural understanding, self-discipline, social development and academic achievement."    

More than 130 campers, ages 5 to 13 will participate at this year's camp, themed "Star Search".  Campers from 5 counties and 5 school systems will explore their creativity as they sing, dance, act and draw their way to earn 4 stars!  The week-long camp culminates with a performance for the entire community Friday evening. 

Camp will be held at Cannon School in Concord - June 18 - 22 from 9am until 5pm.