On April 2, Lancaster County Art Association (LCAA), 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg, opened "Elementary & The Middle," an art exhibit that features work from students from first to eighth grades. The exhibit includes students from across the county and will remain in the Kauffman Gallery until Sunday, April 23.

LCAA first held the exhibit last year as a way to encourage young artists to engage with the arts. Prior to the opening, this year LCAA contacted schools from around Lancaster County to invite their art classes to participate. Certain classes chose a specific theme for their students to work within, but the exhibit includes artwork from a variety of mediums such as pastels, oil painting and drawing. "Even just being able to work on the creative side of one's personality helps in other areas like math and problem solving," said Patricia Keller of Landisville, who is a member of LCAA and helps to coordinate its events. "It's important to have an outlet and use a different part of your brain." During the opening of the exhibit, prizes were awarded to students in different categories for each grade.

LCAA also opened a themed membership exhibit in its Steinmetz Gallery titled "The Natural World." The exhibit features 11-by-14-inch paintings from members of the organization, each depicting a different scene found in nature, such as landscapes, bodies of water and wildlife. The exhibit will remain in the gallery until April 23 and may be visited during LCAA's regular hours of Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

This summer, LCAA will also host a variety of art classes and camps for kids. On Saturdays, April 29, May 6 and May 13, the organization will host "Clay Days," a course that will explore different techniques when working with clay and creating sculptures. On Saturdays, April 15, April 22 and April 29, "Painting Primer" will be held at LCAA to introduce students to multiple painting mediums.

On Saturdays, June 17 and 24, LCAA will host a sketchbook challenge. For the challenge, students will receive a sketchbook and will be encouraged to fill it with drawings as they hone their skills throughout the summer. At the end of the summer, each sketchbook will be displayed at an exhibit to be judged, and awards will be given out to artists for their work.

From Monday, July 10, to Friday, July 14, a painting camp will be held at LCAA for youths between the ages of 10 and 16. Participants in the camp will utilize mediums such as watercolor paint, acrylic paint and mixed media to create pieces inspired by nature. An art show to display their work will be held on July 14, at 12:30 p.m.

"We want to encourage people to bring their children to creative classes and get them involved with the arts," Keller said. "The more you get young people involved, the better."

LCAA also offers art classes for adults throughout the year. For more information, visit http://www.lcaaonline.org.