RECAP: Artapalooza! A free, all-access children's art festival!

On July 16th, 2016 the Buena Vista Arts Council hosted "Artapalooza!" and we were over-the-rainbow excited at how wonderful this event was!

Over 130 children plus their parents/grandparents/caretakers came to the Dickensen building on Magnolia Avenue to participate in 12 different art activites; Paper arts, jewelry making, a 17-foot-long chalk board, dance instruction, photography for children, painting, family hand stamping, storytelling, weaving, stamping, and tie-dying.

We were so thrilled that so many from our community and surrounding areas (as far away as Staunton!) came with such enthusiasm! Our mission was re-affirmed: that there is so much value in providing activities and opportunities in the arts to our community! We received great feedback and plan to make this a re-occuring event that gets better and better with each iteration. Now some pictures!

Dad helps his girls tie-dye t-shirts.

We couldn't have pulled off such a successful event without 12+ volunteers!

This original work of art evolved throughout the day.

The intricate work of jewelry making.

We loved seeing so many families of every stripe and description bringing their smiles and creativity.

Children and volunteers created their additions to the Paper Bag City.

A local photographer taught and demonstrated the basics of photography.

The King family collaborated on this intricate paper creation.

We LOVE this paper art!

Various dance parties spontaneously broke out throughout the day, as well as some personal instruction.

Elaine Pence, owner of Camelot, enthralled these listeners with her animated rendition of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears".

Families were encouraged to make a family "portrait" of handprints.

Two brothers pass fabric back and forth on a giant loom.

We made a "Paper Bag City"--a replica of our town out of paper bags and other various paper forms. It was so fun to see what the kids came up with!