by Brandilyn Mitchell
The Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Hughson is now sponsoring the Little Luminaries by hosting a plethora of their events in the heart of Downtown at 2413 3rd Street, founded by Amber Hunt.
What started as “Ballet in the Park”, a free class for littles wanting to learn ballet basics in 2024, it has continued to grow and expand. These classes were offered at parks all over Stanislaus County. Children could explore ballet, get some exercise, and make friends while parents could spend time with their children and socialize with other parents. “I created the Little Luminaries in response to the growing need for inclusive, accessible extracurricular opportunities for children in our area,” says Amber. More classes were added to support various interests, including themed story time which included making a related craft and a theatre group that would conduct a performance after several weeks of practice together, complete with costumes! 
“It became clear to me that I was out on this Earth to be a child educator and immerse myself into the importance of imagination-based activities for our community.” Amber continued. “And that the community was hungry for it, too.” Over the next year, they did more than host free classes-they had built a support system where participants made friends, playdates were scheduled, recipes were swapped and clothes were handed down from the older kids to the younger. It truly could only be a better gig if there was a building to offer warmth in winter, air conditioning in summer, and a space to store all the items for crafting and art.
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle Storytime with pipe cleaner craft
“It was my dream to open my own space that had everything you can imagine for kids. Art, dance, gardening, cooking, storytelling-and that it should be accessible to everyone for as cheap as possible. That is how everyone can experience the arts regardless of income. The arts should not be a privilege, they are the very basis for captivating the world around us and surviving that very world. Every child should get to dance or paint if they want to.” Amber’s mom and grandmother let her use her imagination as much as she wanted growing up, and gave her every opportunity to enhance and explore it. “I am who I am because of the arts. Every child should be able explore the arts so they get to know who they are, too.” We forget how much art impacts in our daily life. The music we’re steaming? Art. The TV shows and movies we are watching? Art. The Magnatiles and Legos your child builds with? Art. Dancing in the kitchen? Art. Watering your garden? Art. Humanity has thrived because art both satiates and ignites something deep inside us, and we long for that fulfillment in its absence. The best way to explore art? With imagination. Everything stems from imagination. “Our center serves as a safe and nurturing environment where creativity thrives, self-esteem grows, and families feel connected.” It is the ultimate space for imagination to take flight!
What classes is she most excited to teach? “Dance! All kinds of dance. And I’m really looking forward to archery!” Classes will be $5 each or $40 monthly unlimited. Check out their schedule at their website and we hope to see you there!
https://thelittleluminaries.my.canva.site/
