Backus Community Center is offering Winter “After School Arts” classes to area students in grades kindergarten through grade 12. Classes will be conducted Jan. 7 through Feb. 25. This program is sponsored through a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation.

A variety of classes are on the schedule to appeal to the interests of students at different age levels. Classes take place at Backus Community Center, with various dates and starting times. Betsy Ward is coordinator of the program.

“Fun with Faces” begins Jan. 7 for students in grades 2 through 5, continuing Mondays through Feb. 25. With paint as the primary medium, the class explores creative ideas with faces — not only faces found on people — as the subject. Beth Nelson is instructor.

Three classes start Jan. 8. “Basic and Advanced Medieval Chain Mail” is for grades 6 and up. Students produce actual pieces of metal chain mail. Jeremy Faith is instructor. Classes are Tuesdays in The Dungeon at Backus through Feb. 12.

“Celebrations,” led by Katie Werman, is for students in grades through kindergarten through 4. Learn about a variety of holidays and cultures from around the world through music, dance and crafts. Classes continue Tuesdays through Feb. 12. “Maskmaking” participants will create masks after observing a wide variety of ceremonial masks made from diverse materials and from different cultures. Classes are Tuesdays through Feb. 19. Betsy Ward is instructor for grades 5 and up.

“Lights, Lasers and Loud Music” meets in The Dungeon beginning Jan. 10. John Faith gives students the opportunity to design lights, sounds and special effects for all kinds of performances, using high-tech and sophisticated systems. Meeting Thursdays, this class is for students in grades 6 and up.

“Storytelling” meets one time on Jan. 15. This drama workshop provides the opportunity for imagination in drama, dance and voice. For students in grades 3 through 7, instructors are Naomi Woods and Bre Black.

“Paper Play and Design” meets Wednesdays, Jan. 16 and 23. The workshop is an opportunity for printmaking and patterning to create wrapping paper, card stock and scrap book paper. Kay Arnold is instructor for grades 5 to 8 students.

Registration forms have been sent to area schools with information on dates, times and fees charged. Forms are also available at the Backus office and on the website, www.backusab.org. Registration forms must be mailed or dropped off at the Backus office at 900 Fifth St., International Falls. Some class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

There is a limited amount of funding through the Otto Bremer Foundation for student scholarships.

Call the Backus office at 285-7225 for further information.