SPARK Arts classes are back and better than ever. A full lineup of summertime classes are planned that are sure to keep participants engaged and entertained.

Last year with the help of local support, Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center was able to launch the SPARK Arts initiative, seeking to bring arts programming to individuals in the community with special needs. What started as a pilot program has grown into a diverse arts program for individuals of all ages, and every ability.

SPARK Arts provides a unique opportunity for individuals to experience the benefits of the arts. All classes are free to participants. This past year they have provided classes in dance, music, pottery, painting and culinary arts. The classes are a creative and expressive space where individuals can develop and explore their artistic skills and learn about different types of art.

Classes are taught by talented local artists. This spring, Katie Neidich Kaspick of Studio B taught a dance class. Jim Ronan of Guitar Lessons with Jim Ronan led both adult and youth music classes and Mayva Sturzenbecker taught a pottery class.

“Under Jim’s direction, our music class has made a few public appearances including singing the National Anthem at the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament and performing pre-show entertainment at a BCPAC event,” said Amanda Kemick, SPARK Arts director. “Our pottery pieces have been on display around town, including at the United Way’s Red Feather Art Show.”

Recently, they hosted a pizza-making night at Pizza Napoli and an ice cream painting party at Foster Brook Creamery.

“We recently did a collaboration with Leadership McKean and Futures and painted a photo backdrop for their booth at Summer Nights in the Square,” said Kemick. “Next week we are hosting a baking workshop where we will donate our baked goods to Preston and Delany’s Annual Lemonade Sale.”

SPARK staff have more fun events planned for the coming months. Other upcoming workshops include pottery painting at Groovy Glaze and an Art in Nature Series.

“We will continue each season offering classes and workshops to both youth and adults,” said Kemick.

So far, the SPARK Arts program has received rave reviews from participants.

“We have seen first hand the benefits of SPARK Arts this past year,” said Kemick. “Our participants have had new opportunities to be creative, express emotions, gain confidence, develop social skills and enhance communications.”

With the wide variety of SPARK programming, there should be something for everyone.

One student, Patrick, has attended classes in dance, music and painting. But his favorite class was particularly sweet.

“I loved the ice cream painting class and eating ice cream,” said Patrick. “My favorite time was singing at the basketball game.”

Another teen student weighed in. “I love SPARK Arts classes because everyone treats me so well and they are so welcoming each time I come,” said Natalie.

“Each day I got to show my love of art and creativity,” she said. “It was hard to decide on just one favorite, but each kind soul who taught them made all the SPARK classes worth it.”

SPARK Arts classes, always free to students, are made possible by generous local sponsors including Pitt Bradford Arts, Pizza Napoli and Foster Brook Creamery. Donations are used to purchase class supplies and materials — everything from paint brushes to bongo drums. Donations also pay for artists and teacher stipends and program supplies. More support is always needed for this important program.

Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the BCPAC office at 119 Main St. in Bradford. To learn more about or register for classes, visit bcpac.com/spark-arts.