Richmond’s annual Children’s Arts Festival is returning as a virtual event this year.
Activities and programs such as art classes and puppet and decoration workshops will be held online for children to get creative at school and at home.
An outreach program is partnering with the Richmond School District 28 with six pre-recorded art instructional videos that will be led by professional artists.
The classes range from kindergarten through grade 7 and registration is required.
Schools will be given special kits with art supplies and materials so students can follow along one of the six videos.
On Family Day, Feb. 15, families can head to the Children’s Arts Festival website to watch the instructional videos for free.
“Family activities bring our community closer together and the annual Children’s Art Festival is a great way to inspire residents to continue participating in signature Richmond events and programs during these challenging times,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“Many of the festival’s virtual hands-on activities this year are inspired by Lunar New Year, a celebration of good fortune and optimism for the year ahead, which is something we are all looking forward to.”
Meanwhile, to celebrate the Lunar New Year, several artists will also be hosting virtual workshops.
Gateway Theatre is hosting a virtual hands-on Chinese shadow puppetry workshop with Toronto-based artist Annie Katsura Rollins.
There will also be a virtual workshop, led by Richmond artist Dawn Lo, where children and families can learn to create festive decorations in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Local artists are also encouraged to incorporate elements of Lunar New Year into their practices and arts to celebrate Richmond’s cultural diversity.
For more information and to register, visit ChildrensArtsFestival.ca/
