3/13/02
Something special is brewing at the Cultural Center in the State Capitol Complex in Charleston from March 25 - 29, when the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History presents five days of Free Family Fun to coincide with Kanawha, Braxton, Fayette and Jackson counties’ school annual spring break week. Hands-on activities are geared for children in morning sessions from 10 a.m. - noon and afternoons from 1 - 3 p.m.; however, visitors of all ages are invited to discover something new by participating in the free event.
Monday, March 25, will feature Paula Lepp of Charleston as host of “Day of the Mask.” Children can make plaster masks of their faces and decorate them using feathers, paint, beads, yarn and crayons. They also can make masks of wild animals, monsters and people. Lepp is former director of youth services for the YWCA in Greensboro, N.C.
Award-winning potter Jeff Diehl of Lockbridge, Summers County, will lead kids on a “Clay Day” adventure on Tuesday, March 26. Diehl will teach children how to sculpt and mold clay and use a potter’s wheel to throw pots, mugs and bowls. Participants also can make sculptures and learn how to use glaze.
Wednesday, March 27, will focus on stained glass. Charleston glass artist Denise Hight will work with kids to make stained glass creations out of glass beads. They also can learn some design and soldering basics. Hight has 27 years experience, and has taught at Cedar Lakes and the Augusta Heritage Festival, among others.
Lisa Stallworth of Charleston will help children explore the world of mosaics on Thursday, March 28. Kids can make mosaic coasters and take their handiwork home with them. Stallworth owns and runs the studio Clay Chameleon.
“T-shirt Madness” will rule the day on Friday, March 29. Bil Lepp, education coordinator for the Division, will help visitors tie-dye clothes with a variety of patterns by dipping, dropping and spraying. They can also explore the process of airbrushing on fabric. Participants must provide their own shirts or other pieces of clothing to tie-dye and airbrush.
Reservations are required. Because of the nature of the activities, children should wear their playclothes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about the special Free Family Fun activities during spring break week or to make reservations, call Bil Lepp at (304) 558-0220, ext. 131.
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. The Cultural Center is West Virginia’s official showcase for the arts. Visit the Division’s website at www.wvculture.org for more information about programs of the Division. The Department of Arts, Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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