The SSAA mission is to fuel young imaginations by giving them the confidence and know-how to express their artistic visions.

The Silver Spur Arts Academy (SSAA) in association with the Silver Spur Theater in Salado, has announced its 2011- 2012 Fall/Winter line-up of creativity-cultivatin’ classes and camps for aspiring young artists and performers. The upcoming artistic endeavors include a nine-week series of Monday after-school classes, and four holiday-themed workshops. In addition, the Academy will also be offering private lessons in a wide array of visual and performing arts.

After a fun-filled and highly productive summer chock-full of art and theater camps and classes, the SSAA faculty is eager to continue fueling young imaginations through the arts in the coming months. “We’ve been amazed, awed, and inspired by the imaginative output and budding talent of our students this summer,” said Tiffany Schreiner, SSAA co-founder and instructor, “and we look forward to tapping that kiddo creativity throughout the school year.”

The holiday arts workshops will take place at the Salado Silver Spur Theater, Salado’s premier family entertainment venue, and will focus on holiday-themed arts, crafts, and performance. Handmade gifts and greeting cards, decorations and dances, songs and shenanigans are all on the agenda, all with a healthy helping of holiday fun. Many of the crafts, from toys to ornaments to musical instruments, will incorporate recycled materials and ordinary household objects. “With a little imagination and effort, trash can become a treasure,” quipped SSAA art and craft instructor Sheryl Russell.

“In these three-hour sessions on selected Saturdays and during Christmas break, the students will have the opportunity to learn techniques in visual and performing arts, and, more importantly, how to harness their imaginations in creative and positive ways,” said Grainger Esch, SSAA co-founder, instructor, and Creative Director of the Salado Silver Spur. “There’s a tremendous sense of discovery in these workshops, as they uncover newfound uses and beauty in ordinary items, along with their own untapped talents.”

In the interest of developing young artistic talents even further, the SSAA is now offering private lessons in the various fields of artistic expression. Painting, drawing, sculpting, singing, dance, acting, and clowning are among the skills that can be studied more intensively in a one-on-one teaching environment. “This is a great opportunity for those young students who are already showing a strong interest in, or aptitude for a particular artistic field, to focus on that field and improve their skills,” said Russell. For more information on the Academy’s private lessons, including pricing and scheduling, parents are encouraged to call Sheryl Russell at 254 913-5859.

The instructor roster for the workshops and classes includes seasoned professionals in theatre, visual arts and education. The SSAA’s regular staff consists of dance and movement instructor Tiffany Schreiner, and visual arts and crafts instructors Sheryl Russell and Shellie O’Neal. Musical Theatre instruction is the domain of Tony Blackman, and Grainger Esch will teach clowning and circus skills. Students will also benefit from the teaching of multiple guest instructors, drawn from the ranks of Salado’s artistic community and beyond.

“Our fall classes and camps provide a great chance for children to explore their creative sides through performance,” Blackman emphasized. “And we will make learning fun while we are building their confidence and presentation skills that will serve them well in other areas of their lives.”