Educator Jody Conn is leading the upcoming “Artsy Tourist” summer camp at MACC.New MACC instructor Jody Conn is taking kids on an adventure around the world to explore different cultures through art with his upcoming camp, “The Artsy Tourist.” The camp will be held at the MACC Monday-Friday, June 27 through July 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
A Chattanooga-based classroom educator, musician and artist, Conn received a bachelor’s in early childhood education with a minor in English as a second language from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
While teaching at East Brainerd Elementary he met Signal Mountain resident Mardi Leonard, who was originally scheduled to lead the camp. When her plans changed, she contacted Conn to see if he could take over, and he agreed, feeling he would be the perfect fit for the job.
“As a classroom educator, I incorporate art into everything I do,” he explained. “It’s going to be a kind of geography study – a five-day global trek of art, history and culture.”
Designed for kids age 6 and older, the camp will involve 2-D and 3-D art projects inspired by cultures across the globe. While the camp will focus on fun, Conn said he intends for participants to learn during the week as well.
“Art is the experience of the people in a culture; you can see their ideas reflected in art,” he said as to why he feels art is a good way for children to learn about different cultures. “It allows them to get a picture of what else is out there beyond what’s right in front of us.”
Conn said he has spoken with MACC Executive Director Barb Storm about the possibility of, in the future, teaching an art class for kids that incorporates math and geometry.
“I think that I bring the whole realm, including math, science and art, together and show how they all intertwine,” he said of his teaching style.
The cost for the camp is $145, or $130 for MACC members, plus a $15 supply fee.
The MACC is at 809 Kentucky Ave. and can be reached at 886-1959, or visit signalmacc.org to register online. For more information, contact Conn at 902-7159 or jodyconn@gmail.com.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com