Paint and clay will not be the only media for expression at the elementary school. Singers and puppeteers will perform.
By STEFANIE GREEN
Published March 12, 2004
From paintings to puppets and pottery, children and adults can immerse themselves in the cultural arts Saturday at the second annual Kaleidoscope Festival.
The daylong festival at Ballast Point Elementary School will offer young people a chance to interact with artists and test their own creativity.
"There are not a lot of events for children to gain hands-on experience with the arts," said Robert Rowen, owner of Nuance Gallery and co-chairman of the festival.
Local artists will give painting and clay workshops, while musicians and singers will perform on the main stage. Children can practice hitting hockey pucks in an outdoor rink donated by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays mascot will be on hand to entertain guests.
This year's headliners include jazz singer Belinda Womack and drummer Arthur Hull of the Village Drumming Circle.
The festival began last year after Rowen learned about a similar event in Charlotte, N.C. From early on, he wanted the festival to be an annual event, he said.
Organizers moved the event from Robinson High School last year in order to gear it to elementary and middle school students. Ballast Point elementary's covered walkway and shady lot make it an ideal location, Rowen added.
Co-chairwoman Kim Allen said they designed the festival to be entertaining and educational.
"The arts are always the first thing to get cut in the schools," she said. "We need to help the schools and the children experience the arts."
The Kaleidoscope Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Ballast Point Elementary School, 2802 W Ballast Point Blvd. Admission is free. For information, go to www.kaleidoscopefestival.com
