(The Hoot News photos provided)

The Columbia City Arts Commission kicked off their first-ever summer arts camp today, making exploration of the arts available to children in the community.

The Spark Arts Camp, sparking creativity through art, was designed to provide opportunities to explore different areas of art to children in our community. Children are receiving an hour of music, visual art and dance classes four days this week with a showcase planned for Friday.

Spark Arts Camp was limited in size this year as a means of experimenting with the scope of the event. The Columbia City Arts Commission has applied for grant funding and awaiting word on its outcome in hopes of expanding the camp next year.