Children Can Have Their Art And Paint It, Too - At Arts Fest

For a jammin’ good time and a chance to encourage your child’s interest in art, attend the Seafirst Jammin’ Arts Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone.

The free family event will be brimming with stage performances, creative crafts and local arts resources for children.

Sponsored by Seafirst Bank and endorsed by the City of Spokane Arts Commission, Arts Fest aims to broaden interest in art-making for youngsters and encourage families to incorporate the arts into their everyday lives.

While kids enjoy hands-on art projects, parents can learn about art opportunities available for their children around the community.

The festival, designed to appeal to families with children 12 and under, will feature three components of activities:

“Artsville” is a 500-square-foot activity extravaganza where kids can create masks and musical instruments or help paint a giant-sized mural.

“Art Alert!” area is where local arts information is available. Representatives from both visual and performing arts organizations will answer questions about Spokane-area classes, workshops and art venues for children.

“Arts Spot” is a large stage where local artists will perform, along with nationally acclaimed Tim Noah, children’s musician and entertainer. Also performing will be the improvisational UMO Ensemble and the HYPER Formance Dance Club.

Featured performance will be the musical production of “The KIDZ,” a fresh take on the classic L. Frank Baum story, “The Wizard of Oz” and its remake, “The Wiz.” The 45-minute show begins at 1 p.m., incorporating local talent (see “Auditions” below) in supporting roles, alongside professional actors.

The Arts Fest is the latest addition to Seafirst Bank’s Jammin’ Youth series, a set of programs aimed at supporting youth and education in Washington state.

Since 1990, more than 75,000 youngsters have participated statewide in Seafirst Jammin’ programs, including its Jammin’ Hoops Camps, Science Fests, and Soccer Clinics. The programs appeal to kids with varied interests and are designed to build confidence, keep them in school and pique their interest in the world around them.

Auditions:

Spokane-area youngsters, 7 and older, can audition for “The KIDZ,” from 4 to 6 p.m., today at East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone.

The musical will be performed at the Seafirst Jammin’ Arts Fest at 1 p.m., Saturday.

Children will audition through group songs and acting scenes, and do not need to bring prepared material. No theatrical experience is necessary. Scenery, props and costumes are provided.

The professional Seattle director/ actor team of Angela and Bob Gribas will cast the supporting roles, including song and choreography numbers.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing

MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.