A crushed soda can and a jar of paint might be enough to inspire the next generation of artists.

At the very least, the craft sessions could unleash creativity for the 25 or so children who gather at Natrona Community Park for educational programs all summer long.

“Having a weekly art class allows kids to develop a sense of commitment, growth and connection to their neighborhood,” said artist Alison Zapata, a Woodland Hills graduate and educator with Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

She kicked off the program this week with a lesson on hojalata, or Mexican tin art, inspired by vintage and contemporary pieces from Artesanias las mariposas. The flattened metal is cut into shapes, such as hearts or crowns, and painted in bright colors.

Zapata’s Awesome Arts and Crafts is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Mondays as part of the Summer Children’s Program hosted by the nonprofit Natrona Comes Together.

The ongoing program, Zapata said, “provides an opportunity for kids to get creative on a regular basis in their own community.”

Lunch is served at 11:15 a.m., and activities kick off shortly after. The schedule is expected to be posted in the coming days at natronacomestogether.org.

An $8,000 grant from the Grable Foundation is paying for the costs of enrichment that includes visits from Phipps Conservatory and the Carnegie Science Center, among a slew of other kid-friendly, think-outside-the-box programs.

Events are free and open to children in the Highlands School District and beyond.

Bill Godfrey, a Natrona resident and president of the advocacy group, said the summer program started slowly 18 years ago — funded by bake sales and small private donations. Now, the variety of programs is a feather in the group’s hat.

On June 28, participants will tour the Natrona Bottling Co., maker of Red Ribbon sodas, along River Avenue; on July 5, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will visit with a hands-on clay-making lesson; on July 18, children will learn from a professional chef how to prepare a meal.

Unique visits are part of a jam-packed schedule through August.

“We’ve watched our neighborhood kids grow up before our eyes,” Godfrey said.

“Empowering children by promoting self-esteem and the feeling of being part of a community has had an impact.”

The summer program focuses on three areas: reading, art and sports.

The reading component concentrates on books and storytelling, along with encouraging student interaction and involvement, Godfrey said.

Suzy Ruskin, director of the Community Library of Allegheny Valley in Harrison, said the library staff loves going outside its doors to spread the love of reading.

“We get children excited for stories and like to incorporate an activity to help them to remember our visit,” Ruskin said. “Our visits introduce the library to new faces and let people know that we are friendly, helpful and would really love for them to stop by and see us.”

The art program, led by Zapata, explores creativity and expression with projects such as tie-dye T-shirts, beaded necklaces, concrete steppingstones, ceramic bowls and fabric banners.

“As a child, I went to the Citiparks roving art cart, and it was the highlight of my summers,” Zapata said.

“Even at this point in my life as a parent and teacher, I still think back to the excitement and the impact that those programs had on my life.”

Godfrey said the sports sessions at Natrona Community Park will highlight teamwork and healthy movement. Kids will take part in basketball, kickball and hockey, among other activities.

Lessons will be coordinated by the nonprofit Fun and Freedom.

Godfrey credited the volunteers, many of whom are community residents, for helping to make the program a success.

“Providing social interaction, learning to share and following instruction is key to positive development,” Godfrey said.

“Our objectives are to establish a safe and creative space for children to learn, create and play, and our program fills a great need to help children and families in this community.”

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