Sunshine, 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 fourteenth 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 simpler version of that day’s project for the older kids. Among the 2010 offerings are opportunities to make mini-books, pasta jewelry, undersea picture frames and bug-themed knick-knacks.
Another session will focus on creating miniature gardens at home using all recycled materials (like cardboard coffee holders), an idea that comes along with all the free craft materials from the Dot-based ExCL (Extras for Creative Learning) – “Helping children, Helping the Environment.”
On Tuesdays, families can join the fun at either Martin Playground Tot Lot, Dorchester or at Hunt/Almont Playground, Mattapan (July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3 & 10). On Fridays the crafting moves to Town Field in Fields Corner (July 9, 16, 23 & 30 and August 6 & 13). 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 art teachers: Erika Shorey and Shana Hicks. Shorey 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, 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 parkARTS has added a series of six performances by Charlotte Anne Dore of Rosalita’s Puppets as part of the craft mornings. The only Dorchester appearance will be at Martin Tot Lot on July 20 at 11 a.m. The marionette show which will last approx. 30-40 minutes will likely be “Goldilocks and the Three Dragons.” But families are welcome to attend shows in other neighborhoods like South End (July 29th in Ringgold Park).
The best way to find out more details is to visit The Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s fan page on Facebook. Otherwise, call 617-635-4505, ext. 3051.
