Grownups heading to Up Here this weekend are getting ready to take in some art, and their kids are getting ready to make some.
From mini-murals to percussion workshops, and from cookie decorating to pirate costumes; the young, urban art festival’s third annual Family Day is looking like it will be bigger and better than ever.
This year, Carrefour francophone de Sudbury has taken on the management of the free, family friendly festivities that take place Saturday, Aug. 19 at Memorial Park in downtown Sudbury.
The french cultural centre will be offering a range of activities in both official languages throughout the day, with a little something for everyone.
“We’re just really excited about the whole day, to let the children play and learn through exploration… there will be activities to cater to every child’s needs and abilities,” said Sara Fudge, the centre’s director of children’s services.
For starters, the popular mini-murals are back this year. They see cardboard boxes transformed into works of art thanks to coaching from Mique Michelle, one of the visiting muralists. The boxes will then come together into a tiny city thanks to an introduction to architectural concepts by local Eric Lalonde, who facilitated an architecture camp last year.
A pirate ship and costumes from Carrefour’s theatre camp will supply endless entertainment for kids who like to dress up and express themselves dramatically.
For kids who are more musically minded, Justine Gogoua will be running exploration through percussion workshops throughout the day - no experience required!
Or, maybe they’ll enjoy Cello Steps. It's an interactive blend of storytelling and music by cellist Alexandra Lee and dance teacher Lauren Foy. A similar project between Lee and Pandora Topp called Contes d'un violoncelle has been a hit at Carrefour in the past, said Fudge.
Candy donated by The Candy Store and paint-your-own-vegan-cookies from Beards Coffee Bar and Bakery promise to keep young attendees fuelled with sugar throughout the day.
Fortunately, there will be a quiet area in the shade with books in French and English for kids to chill out as they come crashing down from the sugar.
The day isn’t just for kids, either. Adults are sure to appreciate the live music playing through the afternoon that includes dance-friendly music makers Tofino, The Ape-ettes, Sparx, and Samito.
Bilingual tours of all the Up Here murals will take off at noon and 3 p.m., offering a unique chance to hear about the inspiration and process behind Sudbury’s public art.
Carrefour has plenty of experience co-ordinating arts and culture activities for kids. They offer arts and culture programming at all of their eight daycares, five pre- and post-school programs, and summer camps.
“It’s really in our mandate to do this family day,” said Fudge. “It’s all about letting the children play!”
