The mission of Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Inc. is simple: open the doors for aspiring young artists and help them fully realize their talents and dreams.

On Wednesday, for the second consecutive year, this mission was put on full display at the Infinity Center’s annual Learning Carnival, a family-friendly open house, in which children can experience first-hand the artistic opportunities offered at the center.

Wednesday’s carnival included: art classes; an instrument petting zoo, in which children can try out different instruments; a photo booth; stage experience; a dance class; a steel drum class; and a prize wheel.

Kate Chatterton, program director at Infinity, said last year’s carnival was hugely successful and that she hopes this year’s event will again spur more interest in the center’s programming.

“We have so many different opportunities for the kids, not only do we have private lessons in music, art, dance and theater, but students can also take advantage of all of our group class opportunities and performance opportunities,” Chatterton said. “We’re also putting together a video crew and different performance and stage crews so they can learn how to set up a stage or advertise for an event or how to film.”

The carnival was sponsored by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Since its inception in 1998, the Infinity Center has grown from a small group of seven young musicians to a comprehensive visual and performing arts non-profit organization housed in a 14,100-square-foot performance and learning center that serves more than 2,000 students each year in various program components.

The center is located at 301 E. Second St., Suite 101. For more information on registration, visit www.infinityperformingarts.org or call 664-0991.

“We want kids to discover their creativity,” said Shane Hawkins, executive director of Infinity. “(We want them to) become empowered, advocate for themselves and learn how to navigate life and see what they want to do with their life. We open doors … that’s what we try to do here.”