Fresh air, socialization, no-cost craft sessions, even a puppet show? Sounds like the answer to the prayers of parents or caretakers with little ones on their hands this summer, but no money for camp and too crazy a schedule for regular commitments.
Now celebrating its fifteenth year of bringing a wide range of cultural offerings to city green spaces, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s ParkARTS program with help from Comcast will once again sponsor a series of free drop-in children’s craft workshops, serving about 400 youngsters a week. Three of the twelve sites this summer are in Dorchester and Mattapan.
These Artists in Residence Craft Workshops are geared for those three to ten. Toddlers can do a simpler version of that day’s project for the older kids. The particular craft activity on a given day depends on what recyclables are available from the Dot-based ExCL (Extras for Creative Learning) – “Helping children, Helping the Environment.”
Among the probable 2011 projects are water coloring, turning corks into mini-animals with the aid of pipe cleaners and googly eyes, and building take-home musical instruments.
On Tuesdays, families can join the fun at either Town Field in Fields Corner or at the Hunt in Almont Playground, Mattapan (July 5, 12, 19 & 26 August 2 & 9.) On Fridays the crafting moves to Dorchester Park (July 8, 15, 22 & 29 August 5 & 12). Sessions formerly held at the Martin Tot Lot, which is under renovation, will take place this year near the Dot Park tennis courts. Children may come and go as they please between 9 a.m. and noon, but there always must be an adult with them.
Sessions, which can attract up over 50 youngsters, are run by two veteran art teachers: Erika Shorey and Shana Hicks. Shorey, who will run the Hunt/Almont sessions, emphasizes that though ParkARTS does accept reservations, “This is not daycare. It is primarily geared for parents and kids to spend time together learning to play creatively.”
Hicks, who grew up in Mattapan and who presides both at Town Field and Dorchester Park, notes that all events are held weather permitting, but “even if it’s cloudy or even misting, I’ll show up.” She always brings along her sponges and make-up in case there’s time for face painting.
This year again ParkARTS has added a series of six performances by Charlotte Anne Dore of Rosalita’s Puppets as part of some craft mornings. The only Dorchester appearance will be at Dorchester Park on July 22 at 11 a.m. The marionette show which will last 30 to 40 minutes and will likely be “Sea Story,” one of her most popular shows featuring pirates, a mermaid and all sorts of sea creatures. But families are welcome to attend shows in other neighborhoods like South End (August 4th in Hayes Park.)
The best way to find out more details is to visit The Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s fan page on Facebook. Otherwise, try 617-635-4505, ext. 3051.
