Artpark: 'Free Family Saturdays' offer hands-on art activities and live performances

Color your family summer memories with free art activities at Artpark's "Free Family Saturdays," taking place July 6-27 from noon until 4 p.m. in the Outdoor Amphitheater area.

Niagara University Repertory Theatre will perform each week along with other special guest performers. A variety of "Make and Take" workshops are available at each and every installment of "Family Saturdays" - no matter the theme. These other imagination stations include, "The Paint Space," "Costume Closet," "Sand Box," "Face Painting" and the "Pottery Wheel." Please note: Children must be 4 feet or taller to throw pottery on the wheel. Hand-building and other clay molding tools are available for children under 4 feet.

Families can purchase a unique piece of artwork at the Artisan Market and an afternoon snack at Amy's Place food truck.

Artpark alumni performance artist Bill Stewart, with the help of his son, Greg Stewart, will bring back "Clay Wrapping" each week during "Family Saturdays." First performed at Artpark in 1975, clay is rolled into slabs and volunteers are wrapped head to toe (faces are still visible; it is safe and participants can still see/breathe). People of all ages are welcome to be wrapped, wrap someone else, or just enjoy the show. There is no fee to participate or to view the performance.

Red clay will be used. It stains clothing, so volunteers should wear clothes they don't mind getting dirty.

Families can visit these creatively themed retro workshop stations at their leisure:

• July 6: "Art of the '70s" workshops; N.U.R.T. at 1 and 3 p.m.
• July 13: "Art of the '80s" workshops: "Story Faces" face-paint artist at noon, 1 and 3 p.m.; N.U.R.T. at 2 p.m.
• July 20: "Art of the '90s" workshops; N.U.R.T. at 1 and 3 p.m.
• July 27: "21^st Century Art" workshops; N.U.R.T. at 1 and 3 p.m. Artpark "Rock Camp" concert at 2 p.m.

Artpark's upper park can be accessed via the Portage Road entrance (walk down the red brick road) or through the South Fourth Street entrance nearest the Mainstage Theater (walk up the red brick road). There is no on-site parking fee. For large groups, call Art Programs Director Tanis Winslow in advance at 716-754-9000, ext 105.