The Starkville Area Arts Council’s fourth annual Art in the Park takes place Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Starkville’s McKee Park. This children’s art festival is a free event, designed to inspire and promote creativity in elementary and preschool children. A wide range of art activities has been planned for kids to enjoy.
Local community and civic groups support this annual event, including Del Rendon Foundation, Starkville Junior Auxiliary, MSU Figure Drawing Club, Starkville Strings School, Emerson Family-Centered Programs, and 4 County.
Art in the Park features hands-on activities with many local artists serving as demonstrators and instructors. Planned booths include clay, painting, photography, drama, chalk, jewelry making, face painting, writing, fiber art, dancing and drawing. Children will be able to create art that they can take home. Hands-on musical experiences include violin and strings, guitar and percussion booths. There will also be a temporary mural wall for kids to paint.
One parent who brought their child to Art in the Park last year remarked: “My youngest loved being included even though he is so young.” Another parent noted that their 6-year-old began violin lessons because of a previous experience at Art in the Park, relayed SAAC Executive Director John Bateman.
Art in the Park does not include vendors, so families will want to plan ahead and bring water and snacks if necessary.
Now in its third decade, the SAAC runs the Cotton District Arts Festival and various outreach programs, and awards almost $25,000 each year in grants and scholarships throughout Starkville and Oktibbeha County in its mission to build a strong, creative, connected community through the arts. The organization appreciates the support of the City of Starkville and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, Oktibbeha County, National Endowment for the Arts, Mississippi Arts Commission, Visit Mississippi, Del Rendon Foundation, 4-County Electric Foundation, and local businesses and individuals. Additional information about SAAC can be found at starkvillearts.org.
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