arts

Families are invited to enjoy a free art event presented by the Foundry Art Centre and Saint Charles Riverfront Arts. Eat, Drink and Be Creative is open to the public and free of charge with nominal fees for food vendors and refreshments. Your entire family can enjoy art activities and get creative together.

5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Foundry Art Centre.

More information: foundryartcentre.org

ArtSparks is a new program for parents and preschool-age kids that promotes the development of cognition, language, motor and social/emotional skills in young children through art projects and play.

Laumeier Sculpture Park's multi-generational Parent & Child workshops are a wonderful way for family members to spend quality and creative time together. Children - along with a parent, grandparent or caregiver - explore new artistic media, develop a meaningful bond and create memories to last a lifetime. One registration includes one adult and one child.

11 a.m. to noon. For kids ages Pre-K with a parent or caregiver. Cost is $10.

At Laumeier Sculpture Park. More information and registration: laumeier.org

The beat goes on! Kids can listen as Adam Rugo plays the djembe, a goblet-shaped hand drum originating from West Africa, then shake, rattle and roll with Rugo as he plays a variety of African percussion instruments.

Rugo is a musician, educator and composer who has studied West African percussion for more than 25 years and worked with a variety of master drummers. He teaches an African Percussion ensemble course at St. Louis Community College and is the music director for Circus Harmony.

Performances are part of the Visiting Artist Series at The Magic House and are included with regular admission.

Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14. Performances at noon and 2 p.m. 

More information: magichouse.org

World-champion sand sculptor Dan Belcher shares tips and techniques on the art of sand sculpting at the site of his latest masterpiece, the 75-ton sandcastle on the shores of Sandcastle Beach at The Magic House. 

Kids can learn how to create their own "sandsational" sculpture using only sand and water. 

June 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free with regular admission. 

More information: magichouse.org

Kids can get behind the wheel as ceramicists from Krueger Pottery demonstrate the art of working with clay. Kids will coil, pinch and throw their own earthenware creations. Part of the Visiting Artist Series.

Saturday, May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free with regular admission.

More information: www.magichouse.org

Bring your whole family to the  Foundry Art Centre's Family Fun Day on May 22 for an afternoon of fun and creativity.

Summer-themed art activities will be available designed for kids to make alongside their parents. Throughout the afternoon, you'll enjoy stories read aloud by Main Street Books owner Emily Hall. There will also be complimentary lemonade and cookies.

You can also check out the Foundry Art Centre's summer camps, which will be discounted 15% that day.

Family Fun Day is free and open to all. 1 to 3 p.m. at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles.

More information: foundryartcentre.org

Bring your family to free Makerspace Sundays at Craft Alliance and experience the 3D Makerbot printers, Liquid 3D printer, 3D scanner, CNC Router and CAD software in the Boeing Graphics Studio.

An instructor will be on hand to help you explore the programs, the 3D printer, laser cutter and other digital technology.

Sessions are free and they fill up fast. Registration is required by the Thursday prior to class. Held on Sundays through May 15 (no class March 27).

1-4 p.m. at Craft Alliance in Grand Center.

More information: craftalliance.org

School Daze Camps at Artscope are a great way for kids to spend their days when school is out. Kids will make fabulous art projects, explore Tower Grove Park, play games, sing songs and make new friends. 

Camps are for kids ages 5 to 11. Each camp has a different theme. At Magic and Mystery Camp, campers will pull awesomeness out of their hats as they learn about magic tricks, how to fool the eye and mystical creatures.

Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with before and after-care available beginning at 7:30 a.m. through 6 p.m. Cost for camp is $40 with additional for before or after-care. Camps are held at Artscope's facility in beautiful Tower Grove Park.

For more information and online registration, go to: artscopestl.org

School Daze Camps at Artscope are a great way for kids to spend their days when school is out. Kids will make fabulous art projects, explore Tower Grove Park, play games, sing songs and make new friends. 

Camps are for kids ages 5 to 11. Each camp has a different theme. At Super Heroes Camp, campers will flex their craft muscles and create alter egos to save the world! 

Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with before and after-care available beginning at 7:30 a.m. through 6 p.m. Cost for camp is $40 with additional for before or after-care. Camps are held at Artscope's facility in beautiful Tower Grove Park.

For more information and online registration, go to: artscopestl.org

Celebrate African-American literature, culture and heritage at the fourth annual African American Read In at the Gateway Region YMCA.

Guest authors Candi Pettiford, Floyd Boykin Jr., and Sylveser Chison will share their stories, passion and journey as authors. There will also be literacy and art activities for families, resource tables, and poetry performances by students of Crossroads Preparatory School and spoken word artists. Refreshments will be provided.

For all ages. 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Monsanto Family YMCA. Free.

More information: gwrymca.org