![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Smoky Hill River Festival Artists and Interactive Exhibits
What I find appealing about our Festival is that the art is made accessible, interactive, and fun for a wide variety of ages. Of course, the Fine Arts tents would frown on excessive touching, but there is so much more to do, especially for children. An entire section of the park is devoted to the wee ones (far away from Fine Arts!), along with their own entertainment tent with performers brought in just for them. When Bojojr and Bojoette were small, we spent most of our time in the children's section, where tent after tent catered to them.
Our children made whimsy-doodles, hats, and crowns; they decorated bags to keep all their creations in to carry around the park. They created buttons to wear. Each station had another activity, and we did them all. Except for face painting. I don't know if I was ever patient enough to stand in that long line!
When the children get tired of art, they can listen to the storyteller, watch a puppet show, or catch a juggling act. If they get tired of sitting, they can always run to the playground equipment in the middle of the park and release that excess energy.
Those who have outgrown macaroni necklaces can entertain themselves at the S River Scroll Poetry Wall.
Or join Community Drumming. This was quite a few years ago when Bojoette still had a tin grin brace face metal mouth. She and I had so much fun that afternoon. When we returned later, we brought Bojojr with us, and he had a blast, too!
Some artists encourage interaction with their creations.
I always find myself in the demonstration area where various artists teach the techniques of their work. I've watched glass blowers, soap makers, and all sorts of artists and craftsmen explain and create a myriad of items. Above is Curtis Krob, of former sand sculpture fame. He is a fixture at the demonstration area now, and he explains how he creates and paints his whimsical sculptures. (In the small world notes, I used to work with Curtis and his delightful wife over 30 years ago!)
Steve Coburn is another fixture at the Festival. He has been throwing pots for forever, it seems. (Small world notes: I was best friends with his sister-in-law; Mr. Bojo and I were host and hostess at his brother's wedding, I think. And his brother's wife's father was our plumber before he retired.)
Surprisingly, I don't know this person! How did that happen? :) I believe he is pen-turning and making lovely wooden pens. If he is at the Festival this year, I'll pay attention to find out who he is and see if we have some connection!
no subject
no subject
no subject
I love the idea of interactive art. It's so important for children to learn that art isn't just paintings on the wall in a gallery that they can't touch, but it's all around us and can be found in the most unlikely of places.
When is the festival this year?
no subject
Our festival is always the second weekend in June. Coming up!
no subject
And oooh, that is soon. Very exciting!
no subject
no subject
no subject
Also - the way things spark off other thoughts, the children making things has just reminded me that I made prayer beads at the Salvation Army Citadel in Holy Week - and got the instructions (what each colour represented) - I really must do something about doing something similar with the children at church.
no subject
The children would love that. I admire how you are constantly thinking of new and enjoyable ways to present the Gospel.
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject