Contributing writer for The Canyon Weekly
This Saturday’s Art Mart promises youngsters activities guaranteed to be fun, fun, fun!
Hearts to Arts will sponsor three projects for kids, ages 7 to 11, to make and take home while their parents browse handcrafted and other wares from a variety of artists and vendors. A parent or other adult must accompany each student during the construction of a bird house kit, a wood tote kit, or four colorful ceramic tiles.
The cost for each project is $5 and all materials will be provided. If the parents or child can’t afford the $5 per project, scholarships are available.
“Many kids in the Santiam Canyon either don’t have a shop or parents that can help do projects like these,” said Ken Cartwright, speaking for Hearts to Arts. “We also don’t have a Cub, Boy or Girl Scout group in the Canyon. These projects help those kids build self confidence and will give them a chance to help birds and develop an interest in nature.”
The kits were made and furnished by Glenn Wright, Jennifer Dodge and Cartwright, who will serve as instructors to oversee tools, materials, and successful completion of the projects.
“Classes are limited to five persons per project,” said Cartwright, well-known for his affiliation with Hearts to Arts and other volunteer community work. “Each class is first come, first served.”
The ceramic tile classes start at 11 a.m. and the bird house kits and tote kits classes start at noon 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sign-ups for classes start at 10 a.m. Saturday morning at Stewart’s Hall, 158 SW Broadway, Mill City.
Art Mart hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will have, Cartwright said, “lots of great affordable vendors.”
Howling Mad Dogs will have food and drinks available in front of the building.
Hearts 2 Arts is dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting the fine and performing arts in the Santiam Canyon.
For adults to expend their creativity, the organization offers an open-painting studio from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Old Mehama Schoolhouse.
Santiam Artists Connection is open to 2D artists of all levels and expertise to collaborate, create or work individually on their art. The open-studio environment is intended to foster creative energy, encourage art experimentation, and exchange conversations in the arts in a positive and supportive atmosphere. Bring your own supplies to paint or draw.
The Old Mehama School house is the Santiam Youth and Community Center. Open studio is held in the main area, which is an open, spacious room with great lighting and large tables to share.
For more offerings, visit the Santiam Hearts to Arts Facebook page. For information on Saturday’s event, call 503-507-2941.
