SALEM, VA (WSLS 10) - The Salem Art Center is about to celebrate its second anniversary and will mark the occasion by kicking off a new television show to air on PBS.
Joe Palotas teaches young artists more than being creative Wednesday at the center's summer camp week.
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"It gives them the opportunity to think a little bit differently, give them some different ways to do some critical thinking some problem-solving," he said.
He and wife Jessica have been thinking of moving beyond their Salem classroom for years, he said. That's when Blue Ridge PBS came calling.
"We got a phone call from PBS asking us to sponsor an event and I said hey, I kind of have this idea for a television show."
A couple weeks later, Palotas said plans started coming together for The Painters Point, a children's art education show geared toward kids ages four to nine.
"If you can put a camera on some of the activities and things that we do and be able to put that out into a larger market. That's the dream. How many kids can you get involved how many kids can you get inspired by the arts."
The set, inside Blue Ridge PBS in Roanoke will be home to instructor, Mr. Joe, and Jessie Photo Bomb as well as Art the Aardvark and Olden Grey. The characters will work through projects and even travel through the ATM (Art Time Machine) in order to learn art history.
"Kids are able to learn about Dégas Monet, Picasso," Palotas said.
Six to eight kids called the Purple Paintbrush Gang will take part in each weekly broadcast.
"The kids are going to get involved and be able to take a leadership role with that too."
They will learn life lessons the Palotas' hope will ultimately reach a nationwide audience.
If your child has what it takes to be on the show, The Painters Point is holding an open casting call Tuesday, August 25 from 5 to 7 pm at the lower parking lot of the Salem Chick-fil-A.
They're looking for several outgoing boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 9 to be a part of the Purple Paintbrush Gang beginning this fall. The show is expected to air in early 2016.