KidzArtz III: An Explosion of Kid, Tween and Teen Creativity

Another Year of Art, Music, Dance, Crafts and More...

Even record high temperatures couldn't keep the young artists, their families and art aficionados away from KidzArtz III held Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Junctionview Studios. Around 200 people attended this annual art show, presented by local organization Mother Artists at Work , which features visual arts, crafts and performances by kids and for kids.

This year's KidzArtz show was filled with an array of amazing sights, sounds and activities. Kids made bubble paintings at the Columbus Artmobile table, they danced, hooped and played in colorful creature costumes with Openheartart and they had their faces skillfully painted by Mik Heslin of Big Smiley.

When they weren't taking part in these free kid-centered activities, attendees admired and shopped for kid-created arts and crafts. "Wow! A kid actually made that?!" a young KidzArtz attendee was overheard saying to a friend. Young artists, ranging from preschool to high school ages, displayed over 75 visual arts pieces. There were also over a dozen kids who sold their handmade crafts. And, who could forget the many performers who danced, sang and played guitar for the crowd! One tween-aged visual artist shared, "It was nice seeing my artwork exhibited and I really liked seeing all the other artwork that other kids did." Proceeds from the raffle and cash donations totaled around $145 which will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus to help support the important work they do in the community. The Mother Artists at Work give big thanks to all of our volunteers without whom we couldn't have made this unique show happen.

Appreciation also goes out to the following businesses and organizations who donated time and talent and/or items for the show: media sponsor CD 101, Big Smiley Face Painting, Carolina Choroco, graphic design, The Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Artmobile, COSI, Dan Dougan of "Almost There" radio show, Openheartart, Skreened, Stinkybomb Soap, What the Rock?! and Wholly Craft. Please visit http://www.kidzartzcolumbus.com in early 2011 for developing details about the next KidzArtz show, tentatively planned for July 2011. You can e-mail the KidzArtz committee with any ideas or suggestions at kidzartzcolumbus@gmail.com
*All photos by Kristen Marra Marek.