Summer Camps Information

2013 Summer Camps

New Camps! New Themes! New Ideas! New learning! New Fun! New Friends! Limited space... sign up now!
All ages (K-12) are welcome. Participants will be with others their age, both younger and older, doing age-appropriate activities!

June 17 - 21   Music Theater Camp at the Artstarts House. Graduating K-12. Click Here for info.
                                                                                                                                                                Click Here to register online.
                                                                                                                                                                Click Here to Register via mail.

July 8 - 12     Acting Camp at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center. Graduating K-12. Click Here for info.
                                                                                                                                                                          Click Here to register online.
                                                                                                                                                       Click Here to Register via mail.

July 22 - 26   Art Camp at the Artstarts House. Graduating K-12. Click Here for Info.
                                                                                                                                       Click Here to register online.
                                                                                                                        Click Here to Register via mail.

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          Meet our Teachers!

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Ryan Patrick

Ryan Patrick is an actor, writer, speaker, husband, father, former amateur magician, and a lover of cheese. Ryan has appeared in nearly 100 regional shows, including productions at John A. Logan College, SIUC, and The Stage Co. In his spare time, Ryan changes diapers, collects autographs, roots for his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and serves as Grand Poo-Bah of Message Development for the Imagination Advisory Group and contributing editor to TheDailyBlur.com. Ryan will be teaching our new Acting Camp.

Missy Carstens

I’m a freelance artist specializing in Impressionist oil paintings that depict the light, color, and beauty of a diverse range of subject matter, using a palette knife technique that results in a unique, colorful style. Artwork is available for sale to both corporate and private customers. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from California State University, Bakersfield, but am a self- taught artist. I paint in either the plein aire style outdoors from life, or in my studio, using photographs taken in various locations by my husband, Allen, or myself.

In addition to creating paintings, I have taught art to both children and adults for over 22 years. Since I teach a variety of classes in different types of art styles and media, I’ve been creating an entire new body of pieces available for sale. Acrylic, encaustic printing, watercolor, fabric and collage works of art are now included in my inventory of original pieces.

Demonstrating Impressionist painting has also been an integral part of my career as an artist. I have exhibited, taught, and demonstrated in many venues, including the Southern Illinois Artisans’ Shop, Herrinfesta Italiana, John A. Logan College Hunting and Fishing Days, and the Little Egypt Arts Centre. People are always curious about my unusual palette knife technique, and I love to talk with them and teach them about art while I create a painting at a show or gallery.

My work is in various public and private collections, including the collections of John A. Logan College, Marion Carnegie Library, and the Marion Veterans Hospital.

Missy will be teaching at our new Art Camp.

Nathan Arnett

Mr. Arnett is an alumni of John A. Logan College (1996), as well as Murray State University (1999) where he received his Bachelor’s of Music Education with an emphasis in vocal music, and Southern Illinois University (2002) where he received his Master’s of Music Degree with an emphasis in Opera/Musical Theatre Performance and Direction.

Mr. Arnett’s has directed several musical reviews, musicals, operettas, and an opera. His performance credits include The Scarecrow in The Wizard of OZ, Albert in Bye Bye Birdie, Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls, The Baker in Into the Woods, Ralph and Sir Joseph in H.M.S. Pinafore, and the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress just to name a few. His professional credits include Walt Disney World - Orlando, FL, The Beechwood Theatre Co. - Newport, RI, McLeod Summer Playhouse - Carbondale, IL, The Diamond Circle Melodrama-Durango, CO, and The Ohio Light Opera-Wooster, OH where was featured on an original cast album.

Currently, Mr. Arnett teaches Music Fundamentals, Aural Skills, Music Appreciation, and the College’s two choirs at John A. Logan. These choirs have recently performed at The Lincoln Library and Museum - Springfield, IL, the Walt Disney World Resorts - Orlando, FL, the Statue of Liberty in NYC, NY, and most recently at Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA. Mr. Arnett was awarded the prestigious title of “Faculty of the Year” in 2009.

Mr. Arnett teaches the Acting portion of the Musical Theater summer camp for Artstarts.

Allison Travelstead Weaver

Allison Travelstead Weaver, a Southern Illinois native, first studied theater at John A. Logan College and later at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Some her favorite roles include Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods (JALC), Donna in The Taffetas (Dance4Grandma Theatricals), and Elaine in Crazy for You (SIUC.) While her first love is performance, lately, Allison has taken to the more technical side of the theater, working as an Assistant Director and Stage Manager for both John A. Logan College and the Southern Illinois Music Festival on several productions including most recently The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Carmen. As always, Allison is so excited to share her love of the theater with others and looks forward to being inspired by the young artists of Southern Illinois this summer. Allison will be teaching our new Acting Camp.

Anna McKeown

My name is Anna McKeown and I am a Visual Artist Living in Nashville, TN. I graduated with a BFA in Studio Art from Belmont University in Spring of 2013. I am originally from Southern Illinois, where I was raised by a supportive and creative family with a love for antiques, musical theater and gardening.

I focus mostly on painting and drawing, but I also enjoy screen printing, embroidery, and other crafts. I draw inspiration from nature, but also from vintage and kitsch objects. I have a great love for knick-knacks and vintage ephemera, and I think that that love is reflected in my work.

Anna will be teaching at our new Art Camp.

Kerri Melvin (with sons Brady and Brax)

First and foremost, I’m a Mom. Besides that, I’m a renowned “jack-of-all-trades”. I have been sewing, crafting, painting, and creating for about, well, forever. I haven’t met a Pinterest craft project that I can’t make myself. Most of my day involves driving a bus for District 168 schools and operating a sewing/crafting business from my home. I am a former co-owner/operator for GranDo Arts Studio in West Frankfort where I continue to spend some time as a sewing and Art Instructor and private Piano Instructor for children of all ages.

Coming from a family of artists and creative thinkers, I believe that anyone at any age can create! Sometimes they just need some positive guidance and a little Inspiration. My son Brax and I have been part of the Artstarts family for about 5 years now and I am truly excited about this opportunity to bring Arts and Crafts to the kids.

Lauren Arnett

Mrs. Lauren Arnett is the Carterville High School Choral Director & Intermediate Choral/General Music Instructor. Mrs. Arnett holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Murray State University, a K-12 Music Certification and a MM in Opera/Music Theatre from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Mrs. Arnett has been honored nationally for her vocal ability. She has worked professionally as a vocalist, voice instructor, and coach. Most recently she was seen as "Adele" in Die Fledermaus with the Southern Ohio Light Opera. After holding the position for six years as the K-12 General Music/Choral Instructor in the Zeigler-Royalton School District, Mrs. Arnett is honored to be a part of the team at the Carterville Intermediate and High Schools.

Lauren teaches the Music portion of the Artstarts Musical Theater summer camp.