Children learn basic and traditional construction techniques for mask making and may try their hand at paper bag, sock and other puppets made with recycled materials. Participants make costumes, find voices for their puppets and masks and create scenery and staging as well as to create puppet shows. They may work with others or produce their own puppet theatre productions.

Children are introduced to clay and how it is formed. As clay is a common natural resource, easy to find in the Champlain Valley, participants are encouraged to find clay themselves as it is often located along rivers, lakes and streams. Clay collected in this manner will be processed and prepared for shaping and forming by the participants. There will be an introduction to basic construction techniques such as coil, slab, pinching and joining. Special attention will be given to the visual and tactile elements of texture, space and form. At the end of the session, a simple sawdust firing will provide an unusual opportunity to fire and transform their clay pieces into solid forms.

Children will learn how early human beings made basic drawing and painting implements such as charcoal and brushes from twigs and bristles. Colorful pigments found in natural plants such as beets, marigolds and blueberries will be used as a basis for exploring the use of color. In addition to found colors, participants will be encouraged to explore primary colors and the mixing of complementary colors with glass printing using tempura and acrylic. Monochromatic themes, light and shade will be explored. Other materials, such as pastels on colored paper as well as mixed media with collage, ink, fabric and yarn will be used. There will be exercises to sharpen the tactile senses and visual imagination. Other experiences will heighten perception of space and form; distances, near and far.