Submitted
There are big changes coming to the Young at Arts area of Carmel International Arts Festival (CIAF).
CIAF has always set aside an area to get younger visitors involved in art, but this year’s kids’ area will have more opportunities to get involved in a variety of art forms. In fact, there is sure to be something to excite all guests, both young and old.
Paint by numbers pictures will return, as this has been a favorite activity in the past for younger guests. This year, however, there will also be a fine arts table which will give guests a chance to learn a technique and take home a piece of art.
One creation will be a plushie. Guests will be given the supplies and those working in the Young at Arts area will help them put it together right there. The other is a handmade stamp.
In addition, there will be students from the high school giving live demonstrations. Some will be painting and demonstrating various styles. There will also be demonstrations on a pottery wheel. Not only can guests appreciate the efforts of the students, but youngsters can get a taste of some of the art they can be involved in as they reach the high-school level.
Andrew Murray, a CIAF board member and an art teacher at Carmel High School, is in charge of the Young at Arts area this year.
“We have some real bit initiatives this year and I’m excited to have them promoted to the community, Murray said. “Our patrons, from toddler to high school, can create age-appropriate art projects. They’ll learn firsthand that art can be created anywhere, at any time and in a variety of ways!”
While CIAF representatives hope that everyone, including the younger guests, will enjoy the art in all the booths.
CIAF returns to the Arts & Design District this fall, Sept. 27 and 28. The Festival, set up along Main Street and Range Line Road in Carmel, will feature more than 120 talented artists come from all over the United States. The Young at Arts area will be located at the west end of Main Street near the Monon Trail.
The CIAF committee expects nearly 30,000 people to attend. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28. You can learn more about the festival by visiting carmelartsfestival.org.