ART FOR ALL! Arts U will return in February to offer local kids a five-week arts program thanks to area organizations. (Photo via UW-Stout)

Arts U is returning for its fifth year in February thanks to collaborative efforts from the Dunn, Eau Claire, and Chippewa county 4-H programs in partnership with the UW-Stout Art Education Department and Integration Menomonie. The five-week program creates a kid-friendly space for local youths to learn about and participate in visual arts.

Registration is open to area children – whether they are 4-H members or not – now through Jan. 5. The program will run for five weeks on Monday evenings from Feb. 3-March 5 with an in-person art show and celebration on March 10.

“I believe that these collaborations increase awareness of the visual arts, (and) assist children and their families to have fun, while learning about and continuing to appreciate the visual arts,” UW-Stout art professor Ann Carlisle said in a recent media release. “(It also helps) our pre-service art educators to become more confident and competent in teaching.”

Youths in grades K-6 can participate in the program virtually via Zoom, a format that has been previously well received. For youths in grades 7-12, the program will be held in-person on the UW-Stout campus, allowing for more complex art projects to be taught and crafted. Plus, the on-campus experience allows for a glimpse into what a four-year college environment is like.

For current 4-H members, the program fee is $5; for non-4-H members, the fee is $10. Fees are used to cover the cost of the program’s arts supplies, which can be picked up by participants from the Dunn, Eau Claire, or Chippewa County extension offices during the week of Jan. 27.

Visit go.wisc.edu/arts725 for additional information and to register • Reach out to the Dunn County Extension Office or [email protected] with any questions