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The Art Department at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) and NEO Development Foundation will host the sixth annual Summer Art Academy on July 16-17 at the NEO campus in Kah-Ne Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost of attendance is $15 and includes lunch. Students in grades 7-12, as well as those who have just graduated high school are welcome to attend. Art experience is not necessary and the registration deadline is Thursday, July 5. Students will also host an art show in the Charles Banks Wilson Gallery in Kah-Ne Hall from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. on July 17. This year, attendees will be working with drawing in pencil, charcoal, and ink, and painting with acrylics and watercolor on canvas under the direction of former NEO Art Instructor Jessica Stout. As in years past, Stout will encourage young artists to explore their own talents by using the works of famous artists to inspire each painting. “I love the energy and enthusiasm of students at this age, and look forward to introducing them to some new skills and ideas about expression and creativity,” said Stout. “I want to help them appreciate the joy that the arts and culture can bring to our lives, especially if we are open to learning and thinking in fresh ways.”

Stout is a well-known and active artist in the community and recently left NEO to pursue full-time studio work. In 2014, she was nominated for the Excellence in Education Award by the Miami Area Chamber of Commerce and has been instrumental in the Route 66 Mural Fest event. “The NEO Foundation is proud to partner with Jessica Stout and offer this exciting opportunity for young artists to explore their artistic interests,” said Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “Space is limited, so we encourage parents to get their child’s registration form in early.” For more information please contact the NEO Foundation Office at 918-540-6250. (Photo: Students at the NEO Art Academy work with acrylic on canvas.)