In its 20th year of introducing children to art and music, Kids
Discover Arts will add a new spin to some of its old staples.
In its 20th year of introducing children to art and music, Kids Discover Arts will add a new spin to some of its old staples.
At this year’s annual event – put on by the Gilroy Community Service Department – new acts like caricature drawing, quilling and cave art will pepper the old favorites that have been around for over a decade. More than 20 local, volunteer artisans will conduct hands-on art workshops and activities for children ages 5 to 11. The artists are “wonderful people that have been with us for many, many years,” said Cultural Arts Supervisor Catherine Mirelez. A group of younger artists will also be present and will round out the veteran crowd.
“It’s neat to watch the light bulb go on in a child’s mind,” said Jeff Strametz, who has been running the charcoal drawing booth for about 15 years. “I see kids who initially believe that they can’t draw and I tell them ‘We’re gonna change all that.'”
A musician by day, Strametz draws in his free time as a hobby. As a father, he’s seen the benefits of the arts and elective classes in his own children’s lives and hopes teaching children to appreciate art at a young age will inspire them later in life.
“It’s such a treat to have some of that one-on-one with the artists,” said Renee Harrigan, an arts specialist who helped Mirelez organize this year’s event.
Hoping to attract more of the youngsters living in the area near Church and Sixth streets, the event will move back to its original home at Wheeler Community Center after a brief stint at Ascencion Solorsano Middle School.
“The wonderful thing about this event is that it’s ever-changing,” Mirelez said.
The program was conceived as a free event open to all children who want to enjoy a day immersed in the arts. Myriad activities will be provided, from Chinese calligraphy to Suzuki violin instruction to caricature drawing. Children must have an adult present and are advised to wear “paint-friendly” clothing. Parents are asked not to bring younger siblings in strollers because of limited space. Mirelez expects anywhere from 350 to 400 children to show up, based on past attendance.
The event is made possible by donations from the Gilroy Rotary Club and many local businesses and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Wheeler Community Center, 250 W. Sixth St.
