On the eastern coast of the United States stretches the long and lovely land named North Carolina, or as our whimsical friend Wally the Walrus likes to call it, "The Land of Oodles of Doodles!" Wally, wearing his twirly mustache and paint-splattered beret, is the unofficial ambassador of the artsy kids of North Carolina. Every corner of the state, from the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks, echoes with the sound of pencils scratching on paper, brushes swishing against canvas, and the soft click-clack of clay being molded into fantastical shapes. Wally often jokes that you can't throw a paintbrush in North Carolina without hitting a creative kiddo hard at work! Kids here are as varied as the state’s landscapes. There's Maggie from Maggie Valley, who paints stunning sunsets while munching on her favorite hickory-smoked barbeque. Then there's Hank from Hatteras Island, who loves to sculpt sand during low tide, and Patty from Piedmont, with her incredible knack for sketching the critters she spies in her backyard. Wally loves to visit each of them, sharing ridiculous jokes that make them laugh until their sides ache. "Why don't artists ever play hide and seek?" Wally would ask, with a twinkle in his eye. After the inevitable shrugs and shakes of the head, he'd guffaw and slap his walrus belly. "Because good luck hiding when your hands are covered in paint!" So, whether you wander through the whimsical waterfalls of the western part of the state or decide to dip your toes in the salty sea on the eastern shores, you'll find the kids of North Carolina happily immersed in the world of visual arts, inspired by their marvelous surroundings and their jolly friend, Wally the Walrus.
Read morebest visual-arts programs in Matthews, NC
Building Character with Martial Arts. The Black Belt Leadership Academy has a rich history that spans more than ten years, during which it has been pivotal in aiding students to sharpen their concentration, bolster their power, and enhance their self-assurance through exceptional martial arts instruction. Our branch in Wauwatosa is a welcoming space that respects and includes students of every kind, regardless of whether they're novices or seasoned martial artists. Each class that we provide is meticulously planned to challenge students at a personal level, while also creating a positive and rewarding ambiance. This individualized approach guarantees that all our students feel recognized and motivated, which leads to a more successful learning journey. At our academy, we're committed to fostering an environment that brings out the best in each student. Our classes aim to not merely impart martial arts techniques but also to instill qualities such as discipline, respect, and resilience. We are firm believers that the values learned at our academy extend beyond the training hall and will benefit our students in all their future pursuits.
The Brace Family YMCA was founded with the goal of strengthening communities and bringing families together. The Harris YMCA in Charlotte is a shining example of this mission in action, offering assistance to Latino immigrant families as they settle into their new home. We are proud to see our YMCA living out these values. The Harris YMCA is helping to make a lasting impact in our community by providing resources to Latino immigrant families. By connecting them with the support they need to adjust to their new home, the YMCA is helping to create a safe and welcoming environment for these families. The Brace Family YMCA is proud to have a branch that is living out our mission of bringing families together and strengthening our community. At the Brace Family YMCA, we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of families across the country. The Harris YMCA in Charlotte is a testament to this commitment, providing resources and support to Latino immigrant families as they settle into their new home. We are proud to see our YMCA bringing families together and strengthening our community in this meaningful way.