Kid Stuff

Chill on the Hill

art classes at the Heyde focus on hands-on activities

Marni Kaldjian |

Picking back up on July 10 (after a week-long hiatus), the Chippewa Valley Cultural Association will again be offering Chill on the Hill, a free series for children held every Tuesday at the Heyde Center for the Arts. The program hosts different Chippewa Valley artists or performers every week, each of whom will share their passion for artistic expression through music, dance and art. This cultural event boasts hands-on experiences and a gorgeous view of downtown Chippewa Falls. • On July 10, Chippewa Falls public librarian and artist Colleen Crowley will be working with children to create a crazy quilt using the different techniques of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. The Eau Claire International Folk Dancers, a recreational international dance group that performs folk dances from countries such as Bulgaria, Serbia, Israel, and Greece will be hosting free dance lessons for kids on July 17. Some other showcased events include Christopher Wilson and his exceptional marimba playing on Aug. 14 and Two to Tango, UWEC’s ballroom dance club on Aug. 21. • Though Chill on the Hill only began five years ago, Executive Director of CVCA Debra Johnson believes it has already made a large impact on children. “We don’t always start early enough introducing kids to what art can be… and after 45 minutes of introduction, kids can walk away with a huge impression,” says Johnson. “It might carry them on to something bigger, or maybe just give them an appreciation of art.”