Yuma Art Center offers art parties for rentals

It turns out that it's not just Elvis who can rent an entire theater for his own amusement.
 
Folks planning parties who want to avoid lots of hassle at home and have fun in a unique environment are turning to the Yuma Art Center, which started hosting art-themed parties this summer. Arts specialists might help kids put on a skit in the Historic Yuma Theatre or teach the youngsters a new craft in the United Building.
 
"People don't have to worry about cleaning their houses or not having enough space for all the kids," said Pam Dusek, arts program supervisor at the Yuma Art Center. "This really works out well for people."
 
Dusek added that having such a unique facility for one's party is a pretty cool treat for youngsters and adults alike.
 
"I hope that kids look back and say 'My 10th birthday was the best party ever because of the theater.' This is just a wonderful environment for a party."
 
Art-party renters are given a special package that includes facility rental and staff members who lead guests in making party hats, placemats and two additional art-based projects based on the chosen party theme. The cost is $20 a person, said Dusek, with a minimum of 10 partygoers and a maximum of 24 children.
 
Although most art parties will probably be for birthdays, Dusek stressed that the center can also stage back-to-school parties, beach parties, holiday parties, etc.
 
The art center also offers countless themes, which include Mad Hatter Teas, Bob the Builder, fairies and princesses, super heroes and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But themes are not limited to ones that the art center has already devised.
 
"Whatever they want their party to look like, we'll try our best to give it to them," Dusek said. "We can also do slumber parties if people are interested."
 
Movies can be shown in the theater if desired. Most activities, however, take place in the United Building, which is connected to the theater's southern side.
 
Renters provide invitations, decorations, and party food and beverages. In addition to running the parties and activities, staff members also help with setup and cleanup.
 
Adult parties can also be designed around art concepts for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
 
"People of all ages, from 3 to 103, can celebrate special days with an art party at Yuma Art Center," Dusek said. "I think parties for adults would be a lot of fun."
 
So far the art center has only staged two parties, but Dusek expects that number will change dramatically when news of the art parties gets around a bit.
 
The first party sported a summer-at-the-beach theme.
 
"The kids loved it," Dusek said. "We did a lot of painting with rice and sand and we did some activities with shells."
 
The next party was a little girl's birthday party with a Hannah Montana theme.
 
"Everything was covered in glitter with lots of bling. We made glitter guitars and microphones and did karaoke."
 
Dusek said it thrills her to be able to give kids such good time - all with art.
 
"These art parties are just a wonderful way to expose kids to art, which is our bottom line in everything we do. Kids need art and this is just a fun way to do it."
 
People interested in booking a party can call 373-5202.


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Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.