Category Archives: Arts & Culture for Kids

Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Summer Arts & Crafts at the Sheldon Art Galleries

The Sheldon Art Galleries presents “Summer Fun for the Kids!” an arts and crafts program, June 27 through August 10 (no class on Thursday, July 4), Saturdays from 11 am to 1 pm and Thursdays from 1 to 3 pm. The art activities take place in the Sheldon’s Children’s Gallery. There is a $3 suggested donation per child. Art projects for children include creating paper plate clown masks, metallic masks with feathers, paper and clothespin dolls, cloth doll dresses and costumes, personal journals, friendship/button bracelets, and more. Be sure to view the Circus Summer exhibition during your visit. The exhibition features art work by area children who were inspired by Circus Flora performances in 2012.

Summer Fun for the Kids!
Arts and Crafts Activities Schedule

Thursday, June 27, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, June 29, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Saturday, July 6, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, July 11, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, July 13, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, July 18, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, July 20, 2013 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, July 25, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, August 1, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, August 3, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, August 8, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, August 10, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm

Questions? Call the Sheldon Art Galleries at 314.533.9900.

Photo: Sheldon Art Galleries
Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

CAM for Kids

The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) offers families and youth engaging, approachable, and entertaining events this summer. Be sure to experience the stroller tours, play dates, summer family concert, studio workshops, or a week long summer camp. Many of these events are free, but please consider a donation to the museum or become a member.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013, 9 to 10 am: Stroller Tour
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for infants to 24 months. Informal guided tour of the exhibitions.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013, 10 to 11 am: Morning Play Date
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Enjoy exciting artist-led activities, storytelling, toddler yoga, interactive performances, and more.

Saturday, June 15, 2013, 1 to 3 pm: Summer Family Concert
FREE for Family Level Members and children under 12.
$10 for first adult, $5 per additional adult.
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a special family concert featuring the foot-stomping musical acts Babaloo, the Boogers, and more. Plus, enjoy face painting, balloon animals, and a make-your-own “air guitar” project to take home.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013, 9 to 10 am: Stroller Tour
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for infants to 24 months. Informal guided tour of the exhibitions.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013, 10 to 11 am: Morning Play Date
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Enjoy exciting artist-led activities, storytelling, toddler yoga, interactive performances, and more.

Sunday, July 14, 2013, 1 pm: Sunday Studio, Indigo Dyeing
$5 general, FREE for CAM members.
Recommended for ages 16 and up.
Artist Josh Faught introduces participants to dyeing with indigo. One of the most ancient natural dyes, indigo is steeped in mythologies from witchcraft to the blues. Participants are encouraged to bring in t-shirts or handkerchiefs they would like to “blue.”

Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2, 2013, 9 am to noon: Stop-Motion Madness Camp
$150 general, $75 for Family Level Members (includes supply fee)
Ages 9 through 13
Don’t miss this special week-long, half-day summer camp with artist and animator Sarah Paulsen. Learn the ins and outs of stop-motion animation, including how to create collage, claymation, and live action animation videos. Participants will complete their own short film to take home and share at the end of the week.

Sarah Paulsen has taught art and animation through the Saint Louis Art Museum, Washington University, SCOSAG, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Lewis and Clark Institute, and Columbia Public Schools. She currently teaches at Jefferson College and Marian Middle.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013, 9 to 10 am: Stroller Tour
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for infants to 24 months. Informal guided tour of the exhibitions.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013, 10 to 11 am: Morning Play Date
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Enjoy exciting artist-led activities, storytelling, toddler yoga, interactive performances, and more.

Photo: CAM
Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Upcoming book sales

Celebrate the joy of reading with your children! Pick up some new, entertaining, out of print, and well-priced reads at these upcoming book sales. Note: the preview days for both of these sales mainly tend to attract book sellers.

Friends of Kirkwood Public Library Annual Book Sale, April 24-28, 2013
Olympic Oaks Shopping Center, 12145 Manchester Road, Des Peres, MO 63131
314.821.5770 x1023 or KPLFriends@kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 1 to 8 pm: $5 entry fee, Wednesday ONLY. Line tickets given out starting at 8 am.
Thursday, April 25, 2013, 9 am to 8 pm
Friday, April 26, 2013, 9 am to 8 pm
Saturday, April 27, 2013, 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday, April 28, 2013, 11 am to 5 pm, Bag Day: a bag of books for $5 (bags are provided)

Over 35,000 Books. Thousands of fiction and nonfiction books at bargain prices in a wide variety of categories. Hardcovers, paperbacks, CDs, DVDs, audio books, old/rare books. Proceeds benefit the Kirkwood Public Library. Cash and checks accepted, no credit cards.

Greater St. Louis Book Fair, April 25-28, 2013
Macy’s at West County Center
80 West County Center, St. Louis MO 63131
East Parking Garage, Lower Level
314.993.1995 or info@stlouisbookfair.org

Thursday, April 25, 2013, Preview Event, $10 General Admission, 4 to 9 pm
Friday, April 26, 2013, FREE General Admission, 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday, April 27, 2013, Shopping for persons with disabilities, 9 to 10 am
Saturday, April 27, 2013, FREE General Admission, 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday, April 28, 2013, FREE General Admission, Half-Price Day, 11 am to 6 pm

Greater St. Louis Book Fair is one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most popular charity book sales. For over 60 years, book lovers and collectors have enjoyed bargain prices on a diverse and quality selection of new, gently-used, and rare books, as well as records, CDs, DVDs, comics, and more. Fair proceeds benefit local nonprofit education and literacy programs for underserved individuals in the St. Louis region. Most items are $1 to $5 each. Cash, check, and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and Discover) accepted.


Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Community Music School Summer Programs

The Community Music School of Webster University offers a variety of excellent summer music programs for children ages birth through 18 years old. Programs include: Family Camp (early childhood music), Band, Flute, Low Brass, String Orchestra, Chamber Music Encounter, Summer Composition Intensive, and Individual Lessons. The registration deadline for June camps is May 15 and deadline for July camps is June 15. For more information, call 314.968.5939.

Music Program Application
Music Program Brochure

Family Camp: Creatures at the Ocean! For children aged birth-6 years and their caregivers. Strauss Center (in Chesterfield): 9:30 to 10:30 am. Thursdays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25. Webster Groves: 9:30 to 10:30 am. Tuesdays, June 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23.

Band Camp: Students entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2013. June 24-28, 9 am to 3 pm in Webster Groves.

Flute Camp: Students entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2013. June 10-14, 2 to 5 pm in Webster Groves.

Low Brass Week: Trombone, baritone/euphonium, and tuba students ages 13-18 years. June 10-14, 9 am to 3 pm in Webster Groves.

String Orchestra Camp: Violin, viola, cello, and bass students ages 7-high school. June 17-21, 9 am to noon in Webster Groves.

Chamber Music Encounter: Violin, viola, cello, and piano students through high school. June 17-21, 12:30 to 3 pm in Webster Groves.

Summer Composition Intensive: Students entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2013. July 8-19 (Monday-Friday), 9 am to 2 pm in Webster Groves.

Founded in 1925, CMS offers outstanding music education and performance opportunities to students of all ages and abilities and serves the entire St. Louis metropolitan region and beyond. Classes are available at CMS headquarters located on the Webster University campus in Webster Groves, at Faust Park in West County, and in University City. The Community Music School of Webster University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and is a certified member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

Photo: Community Music School of Webster University
Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Enjoy live music with your kids

Upcoming Music Performances for Families

Community Music School of Webster University Concerts
String Orchestra/String Ensemble Concert
Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 2 pm
535 Garden Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Free. Call 314.968.5939.

School Recitals
Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5 pm
535 Garden Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Free. Call 314.968.5939.

St. Louis Folk School Jams
Old-time Fiddle Tune & Bluegrass Jams
Saturday, January 19, 2013, noon to 3 pm
Saturday, February 2, 2013, noon to 3 pm
Saturday, February 16, 2013, noon to 3 pm
3155 Sutton Boulevard, Suite 101, Maplewood, MO 63143
Free. Call 314.781.2244.

Jug Band Jam (no experience necessary)
Sunday, January 20, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
3155 Sutton Boulevard, Suite 101, Maplewood, MO 63143
Free. Call 314.781.2244.

St. Louis Symphony Family Concert
Magical Movements: The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
DanceWorks Chicago, special guest artists
Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 3 pm
Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103
Tickets $12 to $17. Call 314.534.1700.

COCA Family Theatre Series: The Gruffalo, a musical
Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 2 pm and 5 pm
Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm
524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130
Tickets $16 to $20. Call 314.725.1834, x130.

St. Louis Children’s Choirs Family and Friends Concert
Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 3 pm
Washington University, 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Avenue, University City, MO 63130
Tickets go on sale February 4, 2013. $10 adults, Free for ages 5 to 18. Call 314.993.9626.

St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert
Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 3 pm
Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103
Tickets are free, but there is a $1 per ticket service fee. Call 314.534.1700.

St. Louis Symphony Family Concert
The Remarkable Farkle McBride
Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 3 pm
Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103
Tickets $12 to $17. Call 314.534.1700.

Rue Lafayette, café
Live swing, hot jazz, and Django Reinhardt inspired music with The Sidemen, Miss Jubilee, Phantz Jango, and more, Saturday and Sundays, 11 am to 2 pm
2026 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104
FREE performance, but be sure to buy a delicious chocolate croissant and coffee. Call 314.772.2233.

Photo: St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, Sarah Carmody
Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids, Holidays, Music for your child (that isn't annoying)

Miss Jubilee & the Humdingers on Metrolink

Do your kids love trains and good music? The hot jazz and swing happy sounds of Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers will entertain holiday Metrolink riders Saturday, December 15, 2012 from 1:22 to 3:21 pm on the Red Line. The route begins at the Fairview Heights station in Illinois, travels to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, and returns to Fairview Heights. Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers will be performing swing music, blues, and holiday favorites. The concert is free with a valid Metrolink ticket.

Listen (and dance around the room) to Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers before you go!

Detailed scheduled station stops

Metrolink map

Missouri System map

Fare information

Photo: Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers
Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids, Holidays

Merry Tuba Christmas Returns

Do you know what a tuba, sousaphone, baritone horn, and euphonium sound like? You will after attending the free Merry Tuba Christmas concert on Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 2 to 3 pm in Macy’s Court at the St. Louis Galleria. Nearly 120 professional and amateur musicians ranging in ages from 8 to 84 years old will dress in festive attire and perform holiday songs.

This signature event of the St. Louis Galleria has been presented for the last eleven years and is a great way to celebrate the Christmas season. The St. Louis holiday tuba concert is part of a worldwide celebration of the tuba coordinated by the “Tuba Christmas” organization (who is part of the nonprofit Harvey Phillips Foundation). Tuba Christmas was conceived in 1974 as a tribute to the late artist/teacher William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. The first Tuba Christmas concert was conducted by the late Paul Lavalle in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Sunday, December 22, 1974.

More information about other Tuba Christmas events throughout the world and how to participate.

Image: Music Zone
Arts & Culture for Kids

St. Louis Symphony & Circus Flora

Circus Flora performers including the high-wire walking Flying Wallendas, the St. Louis Arches, foot jugglers, and trained house cats join the world renowned St. Louis Symphony in holiday performances, December 14-16 at Powell Hall.

The concerts are based on Dylan Thomas‘s poem, “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” Alastair Willis conducts this entertaining concert with a circus twist. The performance is approximately two hours long with one intermission.

Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7 pm
Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 7 pm
Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2 pm
Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis
Tickets $35 to $80

For more information or to purchase tickets by phone, call 314.534.1700.

Parking and directions to Powell Hall.

Photo: St. Louis Symphony



Arts & Culture for Kids

Free Children’s Opera: The Mini Ring

Union Avenue Opera presents The Mini Ring, arranged by Elise LaBarge and based on Wagner’s The Ring Cycle, on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 1 pm, Union Avenue Opera, Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union Boulevard, St. Louis. The performance is free and open to the public.

The vocalists will perform with piano accompaniment. Advance reservations are not required and doors open at 12:30 pm day of show. Street parking and a parking lot behind the church off Enright Avenue are available. The event is best for elementary and middle school aged youth (and all you caregivers who would like a taste of Wagner).

The event begins with an interactive lecture by Union Avenue Opera Education Coordinator, Stephanie Ball, who briefly will talk about opera’s history and influence. During the lecture, the children will be taught a leitmotif (a short recurring musical phrase associated with a particular person, place, or idea). Audience members are encouraged to sing the leitmotif when it is heard throughout the performance. The 45 minute Mini Ring production follows the lecture.

The Mini Ring Story
What would you do if one day you discovered a magical ring that made you the best at everything? Would you keep it a secret? Would you share it? Find out what happens when the head cheerleader, Flossy, the captain of the football team; Wotan, the exchange student; Siegfried, and some of their classmates at Valhalla High come upon such a ring and the decisions they make. Join them on an incredible journey as they discover that friendship and success are not earned by magic, but through kindness, humility, and hard work.

Artists
The Mini Ring features Joy Bolden (Brunhilde), Melissa Payton (Flossy), Nathan Ruggles (Fasolt), Tom Sitzler (Wotan), Clark Sturdevant (Siegfried), Philip Touchette (Alberich), and Sophia Hays (Erda). Vera Parkins is Music Director and Allyson Ditchey directs the cast.

For more information contact Union Avenue Opera at info@unionavenueopera.org or call 314.361.2881.
PHOTO: Baritone Tom Sitzler performs the role of Wotan in Union Avenue Opera’s The Mini Ring.