Deadline nears for OJAC camps
By Lynsi Musselman
The Monday, July 20 deadline is approaching quickly for the Old Jail Art Center’s virtual summer camps.
Education director Erin Whitmore said camp slots are still available for families to register for the August camps and receive their free mailed camp kit.
“Daily camp videos will post each morning at 10:00 a.m. on our Facebook page, including step-by-step crafts and activities by OJAC educators,” Whitmore said.
She added that camps will be split into three weeks with participants exploring and creating items inspired by collections at the OJAC.
The culture of Peru, a puppet workshop, and the Tonkawa Indians are all subjects that will be covered during the three weeks starting Aug. 4 to Aug. 21.
All summer student programs are provided free of charge for children in first though sixth grade, and are limited to 30 students per week because of supplies.
Camp kits will be mailed to the address provided by the registrant, according to Whitmore.
“Kits will include supplies and materials for each day,” she said. “The kit will also include a password for access to that week’s camp videos so the workshops remain special for registrants only.”
To register, parents should go to theojac.org/summer-workshops.
OJAC In Person
For visitors wishing to visit the OJAC in person, hours are Monday through Saturday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
OJAC executive director and curator Patrick Kelly stated that the staff continues to monitor the COVID-19 virus in the community and beyond our region and will adjust hours or protocols in response.
The OJAC has received visitors each day they have been open to the general public.
“We are striving to provide a safe venue for patrons and want them to feel comfortable knowing the OJAC staff is taking extra precautions for their health,” Kelly said.
The OJAC requires staff and visitors to wear masks while maintaining social distancing.
“We also are monitoring the number of visitors to make sure that social distancing is possible inside the galleries,” Kelly noted. “We are setting the number of visitors in the building to a maximum of 10. If we reach that number, we place a sign on the door and request visitors wait outside until others leave.”
Kelly added that the OJAC staff has removed or deactivated all “touch surfaces” technology and hands-on learning activities.
Surfaces and visitor restrooms are disinfected at least two times during public hours.
“We have not had any issues with visitors wearing masks, “ Kelly said. “In fact, many of the out-of-town visitors are relieved that masks are required even though it is not currently mandatory in our community.”
Kelly hopes that the OJAC is sending the message that it is possible to continue operations through adopting simple precautionary measures.
“It is the very least we can do to protect staff and visitors while doing our small part to limit the spread of the coronavirus,” Kelly said.
In addition to current exhibits, the Old Jail continues to add new virtual content to their web page and social media platforms.
The OJAC exhibit “Disquieted Beauty” by artist Jo Anne Fleischhauer is on display inside the museum but will also be virtually featured on the museum’s “tiny-tour” on Thursday, July 16 at 3:30 p.m.
The virtual three to five minute tour by Whitmore will engage viewers through fabricated objects and scents informed by scientific studies associated with the neotropical orchid bee’s ability to make complex perfumes for mating and communication.
The museum exhibit will be on display until Aug. 22.
