It’s that time of the year again for one of Gilroy’s most
popular and successful art programs. This will be the 21st year
for
”
Kids Discover Arts
”
, a celebration of discovery and creativity where many young
children in our community will become hooked on unique methods of
artistic expression.
It’s that time of the year again for one of Gilroy’s most popular and successful art programs. This will be the 21st year for “Kids Discover Arts”, a celebration of discovery and creativity where many young children in our community will become hooked on unique methods of artistic expression.
Originally created by Gilroy’s Community Services in 1989 when the arts were taken out of the elementary school curriculum, the idea was embraced by artists in the community who volunteered their time and talent to give children hands-on art experiences. Although Gilroy has suffered many recent budget cuts, the City Council, recognizing the importance of the arts, is committed to keeping the popular program. This year the event is being presented by the City of Gilroy Community Services Department; The Gilroy Rotary Club Endowment, Inc.; and the Dennis Daniels Company.
This year’s free event, open to children ages 5 to 11, will be held at Wheeler Community Center March 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Set in a festival-type atmosphere, the event will feature 20 different workshops led by artisans from our community. Children are advised to wear paint-friendly clothing and be prepared to dig into a variety of materials. At the end of the day, children will take their masterpieces home. Hot dogs, snacks, drinks and aprons to decorate will be available for purchase, but all art materials will be supplied free of charge. All participants must be accompanied by an adult.
A few days ago, Cathy Mirelez and Renee Harrington of Gilroy’s Community Services Department, gave me the low down on what is in store for the kids. Listening to them describe the events made me wish I was a kid again. Among this year’s new offerings are:
n “Tag, You’re It” is a metal embossing workshop taught by Cathleen Daiz and Vicky Badsa. Kids will emboss and burnish a metal dog tag that they can use to personalize any number of personal items. I’d like one for keeping track of my keys!
n “Pastel Impressions” is taught by Cathleen Harringan and will include a bit of art history as well as drawing and color blending with chalk.
n “Rainbow Fish” is taught by Margie Hameon, and will give kids the opportunity to delve into Japanese-style art while creating a windsock with water colors and water soluble markers. I would love to take one of these home to display near my Koi pond.
n “The Art of Photography” will be led by local photographer Michael Hawk. Kids will be guided in the use of a
large professional digital camera. Dennis Daniels will donate frames for the finished products.
Included among the workshops from past events are: “Quilling, Butterfly Book Laces”, “Artist Trading Cards”, “Paper Making”, “Creature Collage”, “Origami”, “Chinese Calligraphy”, “Caricature Drawing” and the always popular “Recycle Art”.
Another workshop titled “Remember Me” makes me wish I was 11 again. Young artists will use water color pencils to draw a portrait on a porcelain disk and then use the same medium to create an impressionistic background. Sounds like something you might find in an upscale gift boutique.
Attendance at “Kids Discover Arts” event is typically 400 children. Gilroy provides the facility, coordination, staffing and artisan volunteers. However, the event would not be possible without continued support from local businesses and organizations in the form of sponsorships, grants and donations.
Be sure to put the event on your calendar and gather your children or grandchildren for an exciting day where art “discovers” kids.
***
March events
“Kids Discover Arts”
March 27; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wheeler Community Center, Gilroy
Free
“There Goes the Bride”
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; March 5, 6, 12, 13,19, 20 at 8191 Swanston Lane, Gilroy
Details: pi******@ch*****.net or call (408) 776-8004
Gaslighter Theater’s “dueling pianos”
7430 Monterey St., Gilroy
Details: www.gaslighter.com or (408) 848-3388
“Bach to Blues”
March 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., Gilroy
Details: (408) 846-4973
South Valley Symphony’s
“Music for the Young at Heart”
March 13 at 4 p.m.
Details: (408) 847-1441
El Teatro Campesino’s
“Sisters, Spirit & Songs”
705 Fourth St., San Juan Bautista
Details: www.elteatrocampesino.com
or (831) 623-2444
