Youngsters bring Christmas cheer

NORWALK — Elementary students brought Christmas cheer to uptown Norwalk Saturday in Norwalk Arts Center's Art Explorers program. In addition to caroling at several businesses uptown, students from kindergarten to fourth grade gathered at NAC headquarters, 22 E. Main St., to enjoy activities celebrating Christmas. The youngsters made luminaries and jingle sticks, decorated specialty paper to be made into cards and had a great time playing charades and dancing. "Arts Explorers is one of my favorite activities," said Cindy Shepherd, a second-grader from Willard. "Our participants created and had fun together in a supportive learning environment," said Tiina Ruffing, arts education committee chairperson. "They made new friends, created beautiful art and spread Christmas cheer throughout downtown Norwalk. "The inspiration and knowledge those children took with them will have such a positive impact on the future of the arts in our community." Ashleigh Couch, Leslie Kline, Theresa Barcus, Vanessa Cook and Brooke Gfell assisted Ruffing with planning and teaching this session of Arts Explorers. NAC's next Arts Explorers program will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12. The theme for that session will be Rock 'N Roll.