HANDS ON THE ARTS RETURNS TO SUNNYVALE

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Children will have an opportunity to work with dozens of local professional artists at Sunnyvale’s 23rd annual Hands on the Arts festival, Saturday, May 17. The festival will open at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. at the Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Drive.

Participating children can purchase a wristband at one of the information booths the day of the festival. Admission for parents and siblings not participating in the festival is free, and includes all-day live entertainment. Adults are not permitted to participate in art activities, except to assist their children. Local vendors will sell refreshments. Parking is free, and the Community Center is served by VTA Line 55.

Hands on the Arts is a favorite event with both kids and artists. The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 children and their families. Hundreds of volunteers, including teens who participated when they were younger, come back each year to make the event a success.

With so many workshops from which to choose, children can keep busy all day and leave with armloads of projects. Most workshops allow a child to create an art project to take home in about 15 minutes. Performing-arts workshops teach a song or dance to be presented in impromptu performances throughout the day.

Participating artists were chosen through a competitive jury process. The field includes some favorites who have led popular workshops for 15 or more years, as well as some new artists. Organizers select a diverse group, with artists representing a variety of genres, methods and cultures.

For more information, visit HandsontheArts.inSunnyvale.com, or call (408) 730-7350, TDD (408) 730-7501.