Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Newest Humane Education Program Empowers Grown-Ups to Express Themselves
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (June 21, 2023) – Since its founding, Helen Woodward Animal Center has made humane education an integral part of its mission. Through games, art, songs, and one-on-one interactions with over 85 animal ambassadors, the program is dedicated to instilling compassion for all living things in the hearts of children ages 4 to 14. Now, for the very first time, the Center is expanding a summer class to embrace hearts of all ages. “Crafting with Critters,” is a brand-new program, designed to allow adults to unleash their creativity, and express their passion of animals through art. The first class in the series kicks off this Sunday, June 25th.
Although Helen Woodward Animal Center has offered animal safety classes to adults (including Dog Smart and Snake Smart), the idea to welcome adults to one of Helen Woodward Animal Center’s fun-focused humane education classes has been a long time coming. “We’ve had a lot of adults ask about programs they could take part in when they pick up their kids,” said Center Education Manager, Michelle Carll. “Up until now we’ve really only had classes geared to create animal-loving kids who grow into animal-loving adults. We forget that the adults dropping off their kids are probably already animal-lovers who wish they had the same opportunities their children are getting.”
Crafting with Critters will feature three, 90-minute-long instructor-led art sessions offered over the course of the summer. Each session features a special guest animal, and a different medium of art for participants to create. Perhaps best of all, everyone involved will get hands-on interaction with their critter models.
The first session on June 25th, will have entrants paper quilling Tasha, an African Grey Parrot. Tasha’s a smart and mischievous 32-year-old parrot who’s been with Helen Woodward Animal Center since 2007.
The second session, on July 16th, will have participants create relief sculptures of Zoey, a laid back and friendly California Desert Tortoise, who came to the Center in 1998.
The third and final session on August 13th will welcome partakers to meet the Center’s resident 11-year-old Huacaya Alpacas Kronk and Kuzco by creating 3D Paper Layer Art portraits of them.
Though Crafting with Critters is more geared towards adults, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Education Manager, Michelle Carll, said kids are welcome too. “It’s really great for the whole family to enjoy!” Carll said. “The program aims to provide a greater appreciation for animals and all their unique features.”
Those interested can register at https://animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/crafting-with-critters/. Tickets are $35 per participant and $5 for non-participating parent chaperones. And yes, you get to take your art home with you.
For more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center’s “Crafting with Critters” or general Critter Camp inquires, call 858-756-4117 x 318 or visit www.animalcenter.org.
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