Saturday, June 19, 2004
Children's workshops cover painting, writing, music and dance of the 1920s.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Aspiring young artists can learn about some of the works of famous painters and see their own creations on display as part of the Trumbull Art Gallery's Summerfest.
An opening reception for the Richard Novak Summerfest is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday at the gallery, 196-198 E. Market St. Child participants will meet their teachers, who will conduct workshops covering puppets, painting, writing, music and dance.
The late Novak, who lived in the city from 1960 to the mid-1990s, was an art gallery patron along with his wife, Vilma. The first Chalk on the Walk event in 1979 was sponsored by the area's McDonald franchises, which were co-owned by Novak.
Marianne Nissen, gallery director who organized the children's program, said the children will learn about the works of Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, artists popular during the 1920s.
"We'll have the patron painters in this area [of the gallery], and then the children's work will be attached to it," Nissen said. "We'll call it a work in progress."
It provides an opportunity for some young artists to have their work displayed for the first time, she said.
Remembering an era
The theme was selected to coordinate with "Ohio Chautauqua 2004: The Roaring Twenties," scheduled for July 6-10. Warren is one of five cities across the state where the program, sponsored by the Ohio Humanities Council, stops this summer.
Actors will portray people important to the era in a 5,000-seat tent that will be erected next to the Kinsman House, overlooking the amphitheater. Admission to Ohio Chautauqua events is free.
Nissen said TAG hopes to offer the children's programs every summer.
Classes begin this week, and fees vary, although scholarships are available through the Richard Novak sponsorship for children who demonstrate talent but can't afford the charge. Each workshop is limited to 20 children, and sessions are geared to specific age groups.
Registration may be completed at the gallery.
Activities
Events culminate with a sidewalk parade at Courthouse Square for all Trumbull County children at 11 a.m. July 9.
"It's for costumed kids, adorned pets and decorated bikes and wagons," Nissen said.
Parade participants can sign up at the gallery from noon to 4 p.m. July 6 and also from 9 a.m. until the parade begins. A $1 donation is requested.
The gallery moved into its East Market Street space late last year, and the space features a gallery, gift shop and classrooms. TAG sold its former space, the Gilmer House, a Victorian mansion on Mahoning Avenue built in 1854, in 2002.