One highlight of summer for kids in the Chickasaw Nation is the Chickasaw Arts Academy in Ada. Now in its 14th year, the program started with 35 students and has expanded steadily, accepting 350 students this year. Student Lauren John, who has been participating for 8 years, says, "I love being able to create what I want, in the way that I want it to be." Many of the activities incorporate Native heritage, from traditional offerings such as pottery, weaving and beadwork to more modern art forms such as graphic design and culinary arts. Native chef David McCluskey teaches kids about designing food to be not only delicious but visually appealing as well, and student Aden Colbert says that he wants to use these lessons to start his own food truck. "Energy, synergy, creativity, you name it—it's happening here," says Chickasaw artist Brent Greenwood, who serves as Fine Arts Director. His goal for the Chickasaw Arts Academy is to open the minds of young people to the entire range of artistic expression available to them.