Join us for four great free events for kids and families during ArtWeek at the Marion Art Center:  

Process Art Party: Found Object Instruments! Saturday, April 27, 10-11:30AM

Bring the family for a super fun and creative instrument making workshop! We’ll use all kinds of recyclable materials to create working musical instruments. We’ll also make festive masks and banners, and at the end of class we’ll have a joyful parade around the MAC! The party will be led by Benares Angeley, owner of Children’s Art Lab in Mattapoisett.  Benares is an enthusiastic “artistic guide” for kids, giving them the tools and the space to explore the creative process and see their own ideas come to fruition. Note: Children must be accompanied by a parent. (Free, registration required)

Irish Step Dancing at the MAC, Saturday, April 27, 4:30-6PM

Join O’Riley Irish Dance on the MAC stage for an afternoon of traditional Irish step dance performance and participatory dancing with live music! OID is a non-competitive program for kids and teens now in its 9th year, in Boston. Our group is made up of dedicated dancers who have spent the last 7-8 years pursuing the non-competitive and social side of Irish dance: traditional step, sean-nós, and set dancing. Today we’ll perform a selection of dances from our show “In Harmony” as well as some new pieces! After the performance, we’ll invite the audience up for a family ceili! All dances will be easy, inclusive, and taught for kids and families to enjoy. Note: Children must be accompanied by a parent. (Free, registration required)

Seniors & Children: Create & Connect, Saturday, May 4, 10AM-12PM

Children and seniors will create a colorful decorative tray with a special person in their life in this fun art workshop co-sp0nsored by the MAC and the Marion Council on Aging.  Instructor Barbara Greenspanwill guide the group in making this unique project using a small wooden tray, mod-podge, tissue, and decorative papers. These trays can be for personal use or given as a gift. More important, it's an easy and creative way for seniors and children to connect in a relaxed and friendly environment. Note: Each child attending must be accompanied by a senior. Location: The Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street.(Free, registration required)

MAC Sidewalk “Sale-abration” Sunday, May 5, 11AM-4PM

Come join us for family fun at our MAC sidewalk sale and arts celebration!  Shop the treasures we unearthed while cleaning out the MAC from attic to basement—and participate in a community art project led by artist Tracy Silva Barbosa.  Using water-based chalk paint, we’ll decorate the surface of Main Street in front of the MAC with designs based on the famous blue and white tiles known as “Azulejos” in Portugal. Adults and children are welcome to participate. There will also be live music, face-painting, a balloon artist, and bargains galore on everything from theater props to art supplies. Note: The Azulejos street painting with Tracy Silva Barbosa will take place from 1-3PM.( Free!)