Category Archives: Community

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

Lunar New Year Celebrations

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YearoftheRoosterBring the family to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Rooster! Here are some highlights of St. Louis area celebrations open to the public.

The Magic House
Saturday, January 28, 2017, 10 am to 2 pm
Families can enjoy a Lion Dance performance, arts, crafts, and Chinese face painting. Free with museum admission.

Saint Louis Art Museum Lunar New Year Festival
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Explore Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese culture with activities, performances, and demonstrations. Special performances including a Lion Dance and T’ai Chi and Kung Fu demonstrations start at 2 pm in the Sculpture Hall. Free.

University City Lunar New Year 2017
February 3 and 4, 2017
Experience parades, lion dances, authentic Chinese food, 50 local artists, hands-on activities, and performances. Performances are in partnership with the Lunar New Year Festival student run organization of Washington University. Free.

Lunar New Year Festival Kick Off
Friday, February 3, 2017, 5 to 9 pm
Mandarin House Banquet Center, 8004 Olive Boulevard,
University City
Night Market: Featuring Taste of Asia restaurants, artisans, retailers
6 pm: Chinese Community Performers
7 pm: Fusion
8 pm: DJ

Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
Saturday, February 4, 2017, 11 am
11 to 11: 30 am: Pre-Parade Gathering Brittany Woods Middle
11:30 to noon: Lunar New Year Parade (Weather Permitting)
Departs Brittany Woods Middle School, 8125 Groby Road, St. Louis, MO 63130 at 11:30 am. The parade heads north down 81st Street, and turns into the parking lot of Seafood City, ending at the Mandarin House Banquet Center, 8004 Olive Boulevard.

Night Market
Noon to 8 pm
Mandarin House Banquet Center
8004 Olive Boulevard, University City
Featuring Taste of Asia restaurants, artisans, and retailers.

Performances
Mandarin House Banquet Center, 8004 Olive Boulevard,
University City
1 pm: Lion Dance Kickoff
2 to 4 pm: Washington University Lunar New Year Festival Performances
4 pm: DJ
5 pm: Chinese School Performers
6 pm: Fusion
7 pm: Headliners
8 pm: DJ

Lunar New Year Festival at the Edison Theatre
6465 Forsyth Boulevard
February 10, 2017 at 7 pm
February 11, 2017 at 2 pm and 7 pm
The Lunar New Year Festival (LNYF) is an annual event on the Washington University Campus celebrating the Lunar New Year and promoting awareness of the different aspects of Asian culture from China to Korea and more. This spectacular show in the Edison Theatre, is a completely student-run production and promotes interaction and unity among the various Asian groups on campus. Through a great variety of exciting performances of acting, dancing, and music, people of all backgrounds can enjoy and celebrate the New Year together. Tickets $10.

 

 

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

Day of the Dead Celebration

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diadelosmuertos_nov5_6_pdf_16632Missouri History Museum Event!

Día de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated throughout Latin America and around the world in many other cultures. It brings together groups of people to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. Join the Missouri History Museum for an expanded version of the holiday commemoration with traditional music, dancing, an art display, alters, informational tables, and more.

Saturday, November 5, 2016, 11 am to 4 pm
Sunday, November 6, 2016, 11 am to 4 pm

Missouri History Museum
Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park
St. Louis, MO
T 314.746.4599

Schedule of Events

11:30 to 1:30 pm
Simultaneous Live Music in the Grand Hall and on the Museum’s Lower Level

Ongoing
The Film “The Book of Life” will be shown continuously in the New Classroom

11 am to 4 pm
Community Partners tables on the Museum’s Main Level

11 am to 4 pm
Childrens’ Craft Tables on the Museum’s Main Level

11 am to 4 pm
Dia de los Muertos Art Display on the Museum’s Main Level

11 am to 4 pm
Altars from many countries, some reflecting on 9/11, the unknown soldier, and a tribute to Selena in the ATT Room

11 am to 4 pm
Face Painting in the Schnucks Classroom

1:30 to 2 pm
Live Alter by Chef Martin Lopez

Dance performances in the Lee Auditorium
2 to 2:30 pm, Panamanian
2:30 to 3 pm, Bolivian
3 to 3:30 pm, Almas de Mexico
3:30 to 4 pm, The Oaxaca

 

 

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

Laumeier Sculpture Park Fall and Winter Programs

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LaumeierSculptureParkFallWinterPrograms

Have you been to Laumeier Sculpture Park lately? In addition to being a great place to explore and run around (dogs too!), this beautiful sculpture park has an exciting and diverse number of arts education programs for youth of all ages as well as adults. Be sure to check out their special holiday art workshops. (Snow globes!) Sign up today for a fun experience.

Here is a just a sample of their wide range of family programs. Registration fee includes one adult with one child; children must be accompanied by an adult.

ArtSparks / Adult with Child Ages Pre-K
Thursday, September 8 / 11 am to noon / $10

Monarch Mania / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, September 10 / 2 to 4 pm / $40

ArtSparks / Adult with Child Ages Pre-K
Thursday, September 22 / 11 to noon / $10

Things That Go Bump in the Night / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, September 24 / 7 to 9 pm / $20

Bye Bye Birdies / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, October 22 / 2 to 4 pm / $40

The Sounds That Surround Us / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, November 19 / 1:30 to 3:30 pm / $40

Read their Fall and Winter Programs Guide.

Learn about Laumeier Sculpture Park’s education programs.

 

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

Youth & Family Friendly Events at CAM

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In addition to its thought-provoking exhibitions and engaging events, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) presents several fun and unique programs for youth and families this summer.

StrollerTours

Stroller Tours
Wednesdays, June 3, July 1, and August 5   |  FREE
9 to 10 am
Recommended for infants to 24 months.
Complimentary refreshments.
Designed for art lovers and their young ones, this special guided tour of the current exhibitions offers something new each month.

 

CAM_MorningPlayDate

Morning Play Dates
Wednesdays, June 3, July 1, and August 5   |   FREE
10 to 11 am
Recommended for ages 2 to 5 years old.
Complimentary refreshments.
Aspiring young artists and their families participate in unique art and movement based projects, artist-led activities, and performances. The June 3 Play Date features artist Dani Radosevich who leads an optical glasses art activity in which kids can see through different shades of color to change the perception of their environment. Musical entertainment for the June 3 event features Celia.

 

BlockParty

Family Day Block Party
Saturday, June 20, 10 am to noon   |   FREE
Recommended for ages 3 to 12 years old.
Join CAM, the Pulitzer, and the Sheldon for a special Family Day Block Party filled with art activities, performances, storytelling, face painting, and more at each location (the three arts organizations are adjacent to each other). CAM features a huge cardboard labyrinth workshop and band The Trip Daddys.

 

StopMotion

Stop-Motion Madness Summer Camp
Monday through Friday, July 27-31
9 to 11:30 am
Ages 9 to 13 years old
$125 general; $85 for CAM Family Members
Register by July 13.
Artist Sarah Paulsen guides campers in creating their own collage and live-action animation videos.

 

pagepunk-printmaking

Punk Printmaking Summer Camp
Monday through Friday, July 27-31
12:30 to 3 pm
Ages 9 to 13 years old
$125 general; $85 for CAM Family Members
Register by July 13.
Campers celebrate non-traditional printmaking and create printed artwork, stickers, posters, and t-shirts with artist Eric Repice.

 

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Crushed: Found Object Letterpress Workshop
Monday through Friday, August 3-7
1 to 4:30 pm
Ages 14 to 18 years old
Register by May 29.
CAM, Central Print, and artist Sage Dawson offer a new take on traditional and contemporary methods in printmaking. High school students explore letterpress printing on the proof press, including innovative new approaches to using centuries-old art making techniques. This one week program starts with an introduction to letterpress and its history in St. Louis. Students then explore the urban landscape and print posters using found objects that make a literal impression of our culture. A maximum of nine students will be accepted into the program. Once accepted, students attend free of charge and must make a commitment to consistently attend all five classes.

Classes meet at two locations 1 to 4:30 pm:
August 3 & 4 at Central Print, 2624 N. 14th St., St. Louis, MO 63106
August 5 at CAM, 3750 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
August 6 & 7 at Central Print, 2624 N. 14th St., St. Louis, MO 63106

 

Photos: Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM)

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

Art Fair at Laumeier Sculpture Park

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ArtFair2Laumeier Sculpture Park presents its 28th Annual Art Fair on Mother’s Day weekend, May 8–10, 2015. More than 15,000 patrons attend this annual three-day event featuring local food vendors, a wine garden, live music, the Creation Location for kids, and 150 juried artists exhibiting work in ten categories. Media categories include ceramics, fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media 2D, painting, photography/digital, printmaking/drawing, sculpture, and wood.

Highlights of the weekend include Friday evening’s Art of the Vine, a special wine tasting event featuring unlimited samples from the following participating wineries: Blumenhof Winery, Bommarito Estate Almond Tree Winery, Noboleis Vineyards, Peaceful Bend Vineyard, Stone Hill Winery, and Sugar Creek Winery. Saturday afternoon’s Art of the Ale, presented by Schlafly, features a special beer tasting and Q&A, including unlimited samples of classic, seasonal and special-release Schlafly beers. The City of Sunset Hills Music Festival on Saturday afternoon features performances by Miss Jubilee & the Humdingers, The Dust Covers, and One More Round. Laumeier’s Creation Location for Kids, free with Art Fair admission, is open throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, offering family activities and entertainment. Finally, the popular Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday morning features a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

Here’s a video of Miss Jubilee & the Humdingers. Be sure to hear them at the Art Fair!

General Information
28th Annual Art Fair
Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Road, St. Louis, MO 63127
Friday, May 8, 6 to 10 pm
Saturday, May 9, 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday, May 10, 10 am to 5 pm
Tickets: $10, Ages 12 and up; $5, Ages 6 to 11; FREE, Ages 5 and under
Art Fair Program Booklet

ArtFair5


Special Events during the Art Fair
Art of the Vine
Friday, May 8, 6 to 9 pm
$12, Ages 21 and up
Art Fair admission required

Art of the Ale, Presented by Schlafly
Saturday, May 9, 5 to 8 pm
$10, Ages 21 and up
Art Fair admission required

Mother’s Day Brunch, Presented by Whole Foods Market
Sunday, May 10, 10:15 am and 11:45 am
$50, Ages 12 and up ($40 for Laumeier Members)
$15, Ages 6 to 11
FREE, Ages 5 and under

Tickets for Art Fair, Art of the Vine, and Art of the Ale can be purchased at the gate or in advance online. Tickets for the Mother’s Day Brunch must be purchased online in advance.

ArtFair6


Creation Location for Kids  |  Entertainment Events
Saturday, May 9, 1 to 2 pm: Tropical Fire Hula
Sunday, May 10, 11:30 am to 12:15 pm AND
1 to 1:45 pm: Juggling Jeff
Map of Art Fair (Creation Location is number 6 on this map.)

Creation Location for Kids  |  Art Projects
* Wind-Powered Whirligigs: Children make their very own functional whirligig (or pinwheel) that spins in the wind. Kids can decorate them using fun colors and patterns or make them look like an animal with moving wings or fins.

* Funky Fresh Foam Sculptures: Participants create a variety of sculptural creations using polyethylene foam scraps (donated by Robot Monkey Lab, Inc.), including some that hang and spin.

* irRESISTible watercolors: Youth use wax crayons, stickers, or tape to block off shapes/areas of paper to be left white, called a “resist.” Then kids watercolor the paper and remove the stickers or tape to reveal white areas. The wax crayons will naturally repel the watercolor.

* A “Construction Zone” with free play building blocks are available for younger kids.

* Be on the lookout for Evie, a solar-powered vehicle from the Saint Louis Science Center. She comes with lots of information and displays about renewable energy. Evie was the inspiration for Laumeier’s Wind-Powered Whirligigs project.

Map of Art Fair (Creation Location is number 6 on this map.)

ArtFair8

ArtFair1

ArtFair7

 

The Art Fair is generously sponsored by Emerson, the City of Sunset Hills, Ameren, Edward Jones, and Jamba Juice, with media support from KDHX, KTRS, Riverfront Times, Sauce Magazine, St. Louis Public Radio, and Y98.

Photography: Laumeier Sculpture Park

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

Spring Sing

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SpringSingHave you ever wanted to sing with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL)? The brilliant opera company presents “Spring Sing!” on Saturday, May 9 at 12:30 pm at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Boulevard. This fun and informal event brings together professional singers of OTSL and hundreds of community participants from diverse backgrounds for an annual “spontaneous” concert at an iconic St. Louis location.

In addition to main season artists, Spring Sing! features special guest appearances from internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and world renowned soprano Christine Brewer, who receives her star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame this month. Both performed as part of the #WithNormandy: A Concert for Peace and Unity event, which raised nearly $5,000 for the “Friends of Normandy” scholarship fund in September 2014. Members of the Normandy High School Choir, under the direction of Duane Foster, perform as part of the community choir, along with members of the Central Visual and Performing Arts High School Choir under the direction of Addie Akin. OTSL chorus master and head of music staff Robert Ainsley conducts the 30-minute concert, which features classic opera choruses from Verdi and Mozart, as well as traditional choral selections from the American songbook.

No auditions are needed and anyone age 15 and up is welcome to join. Music and listening tracks are provided in advance to make the learning process enjoyable. Participants also receive the OTSL Company Discount on single tickets for the 2015 Festival Season.

Please register by April 24 as space is limited. Once registered, please visit the Spring Sing Resource page. For more information or questions, please contact Dan Mayo at dmayo@opera-stl.org or 314.963.4251.

More an avid listener and not a singer? Spring Sing! is open to the public for anyone to listen and enjoy so feel free to bring your little ones to experience this great 30 minute concert. Make a day of it with a visit to the Saint Louis Art Museum or the Saint Louis Zoo before or after Spring Sing!

Register for Spring Sing!
Spring Sing! Resources Page

Spring Sing! Schedule

Rehearsal: Members of Spring Sing! need to attend either one morning (10 am to 1 pm) or one afternoon (2 pm to 5 pm) rehearsal on Saturday, May 2 held at Opera Theatre’s Sally S. Levy Opera Center (210 Hazel Ave, 63119 in Webster Groves). To ease the logistics of learning music and rehearsing, OTSL will send you a recording that teaches your part in advance.

Performance: The performance will take place at the Missouri History Museum on Saturday, May 9 at 12:30 pm.

Photo: Philip Deitch

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

Ready Readers presents “Winter Story Fest”

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Featuring: Jason Contini as Emperor. © Photo by Jill Lindbergh.
Featuring: Jason Contini as Emperor. © Photo by Jill Lindbergh.

Ready Readers presents “Winter Story Fest” with The Rep’s Imaginary Theatre Company and Whole Foods Market in Brentwood on Sunday, February 8, 2015, Clayton High School, 1 Mark Twain Circle. The fun begins at 2 pm with children’s activities led by top area family friendly organizations including The Magic House and Mad Science, face painters, magicians, clowns, a silent auction, and much more. At 3:30 pm, guests are entertained by The Rep’s Imaginary Theatre Company’s production of The Emperor’s New Clothes in Clayton High School’s beautiful auditorium. Approximate run time of The Emperor’s New Clothes is 45 minutes.

The event is recommended for ages 3 to 10. Tickets are $15 per person in advance or $18 per person at the door. You can reserve your tickets online or by calling 314.564.8070. For group reservations, contact Lisa Greening at lisa@readyreaders.org.

Proceeds from Winter Story Fest benefit Ready Readers and its mission of inspiring preschool-age children from low-income communities to become readers by reading aloud to them, increasing their exposure to quality books, and providing literacy-related experiences.

The entire Ready Readers event is 2 to 4:30 pm, including announcements and acknowledgments prior to the theater performance. Depending on how old your children are (and how they are feeling on that particular day!), you may want to adjust your arrival time so that your experience is a relaxing and fun one. Be sure to allow yourself a few moments to bid high on the great silent auction items.

Can’t make the event? Consider a tax-deductible contribution to Ready Readers.

Featuring: Jason Contini as Emperor. © Photo by Jill Lindbergh.
Featuring: Jason Contini as Emperor. © Photo by Jill Lindbergh.

About The Emperor’s New Clothes
One of Hans Christian Andersen’s tales gets a quirky new look in this silly satire about a vain man and his clever wife. Determined to teach her husband a lesson in humility, the queen and her loyal handmaiden pose as two weavers who make the most beautiful garments in the world. There’s just one catch—only the most intelligent people can see these clothes. Will the Emperor admit he’s had the wool pulled over his eyes or embarrass himself in front of the entire kingdom?

Book by Kim Esop Wylie
Music by Joe Dreyer
Lyrics by Sheila Schultz
Directed by Kat Singleton

The Emperor’s New Clothes Study Guide

Photo: Ready Readers
Photo: Ready Readers

About Ready Readers
Ready Readers is a St. Louis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring preschool age children from low-income communities to love books and to have the emergent literacy skills necessary to become readers when they enter kindergarten. Trained, passionate volunteers read high-quality books aloud to the same classroom of children for 30 minutes every week, and then provide stimulating reading-related activities. Six times during each school year and once during the summer, the volunteer readers also distribute new books for each child to take home and keep.

Event Sponsors of the Winter Story Fest include: First Bank, The Rep’s Imaginary Theatre Company, Whole Foods Market in Brentwood, The Magic House, Circus Kaput, the St. Louis Science Center, Mad Science, KC Creative Inc., Bricks 4 Kidz, and The Puppet Guild of Greater Saint Louis.

 

 

Arts & Culture for Kids, Community, What to Read

Used Book Sale at the J

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The Used Book Sale at the J is one of my favorite sales of the year. In the past, some of the great family friendly items that I have discovered are out-of-print children’s books, newer beginning readers and board books, unused sticker books, massive atlases, piano scores, children’s dictionaries, old textbooks with fascinating drawings that are excellent for art projects, cookbooks, kids joke books, and much more. The bargain priced items vary of course from sale to sale, but you never know what you will find.

The volunteers are very helpful and the sale is well organized. Be sure to keep an eye out for books underneath the tables as some of that stock does not get looked through as often. Plastic bags are provided but feel free to bring your own sturdier bag in case you end up with more than an armful of books. I have also seen friendly volunteers help Moms if they have a squirmy or non-stop chatty child or need assistance loading their car.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Roswell and Wilma Messing Cultural Arts and Education Department.

Details about the event:

Jewish Community Center
Staenberg Family Complex Arts & Education Building
2 Millstone Campus Drive
FREE parking in lot

Sunday, February 1, 2015
Preview Day, 10 am to 4 pm
Admission $10/per person (free for ages 16 and under)

February 2, 3, and 4, 2015
FREE admission, 10 am to 7 pm

Thursday, February 5, 2015
FREE admission, Bag Day (Fill a bag for $5–bag provided)
10 am to 6 pm

Questions? Call 314.442.3169.

books

 

Have books to donate?

Books may be dropped off at the Jewish Community Center’s Arts and Education Building. Please limit drop off at this location to one box or less. You may also drop books off at H. F. Epstein Hebrew Academy located just minutes from the “J” on 1138 Warson Road. All donors should report to the school office where you will connect with a building and grounds staff member who will assist you in unloading your books.

Drop Off Hours at Epstein Hebrew Academy:
School Hours (August 18 – May 20)
Monday – Friday: 9 am to 4 pm

Volunteers needed!

In preparation for the bi-annual Used Book Sales, volunteer markers are needed at Epstein Hebrew Academy to work on Tuesdays during the day. Volunteers will be trained and there is no heavy lifting. Volunteers can work a full shift or only a portion, 10 am to 3 pm. If you have any questions or wish to volunteer, please contact Zelda Sparks, 314.442.3169.

 

Photos: Shutterstock and Janis Christie/Getty Images

Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Community

Free vocal recital featuring local high school students

23 students from 16 St. Louis high schools in Opera Theatre of St. Louis’s Monsanto Artists-in-Training program will perform opera arias this Sunday, January 29 at 3 pm, Graham Chapel on the campus of Washington University. The event is free and open to the public. Highly regarded mezzo-soprano Pamela Dillard, who has been coaching the students during a recent artist residency, will also perform at the concert. This is a wonderful opportunity to share classical music with your family and for your school aged kids to see high school students really excel at something that they love.

Currently in its 23rd year, Opera Theatre of St. Louis’s Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program has consistently identified, coached, and encouraged talented singers in St. Louis urban and suburban high schools. Students receive individual weekly coaching and voice lessons by Opera Theatre of St. Louis’s professional staff; two artist residencies conducted by visiting guest artists; numerous chances to attend performing arts events; and a three-day college retreat where they learn about college life and academics. Each spring, the students perform in a free public recital at the Sheldon Concert Hall. To date, more than 170 students have completed the program and Opera Theatre of St. Louis has awarded these graduates more than $335,000 in scholarships to support their college educations. Many graduates have continued to pursue academic degrees and professional careers in music. Artists-in-Training is generously supported by the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, who has been the principal underwriter since the program’s inception.

Photo: Opera Theatre of St. Louis