UC Library Celebrates Arts Education Month with Family Workshop, Aztec Dancers

In recognition of Arts Education Month, the will host a special celebration on Saturday, March 5.

Dubbed “Creating Community Through Art,” the free, all-ages event aims to create cultural experiences that reflect Union City’s diversity and strong community focus, said Library Manager Mira Geroy.

“It is a great opportunity for families to have fun together while learning about cultures and people in their community,” Geroy said.

The program features a hands-on recycled art workshop, the presentation of a new teen mural and a performance by the . The workshop, led by Marion Coleman and Marjorie DeQuincy, will teach art that children, teens and parents can create together.

“These women are inspirational in their approach to using recycled materials to make art,” Geroy said. “When kids see what great art other kids have done, it will inspire them to try it themselves.”

The day is part of the Alameda County Arts Commission’s Art IS Education celebration, an annual showcase of youth arts. The Union City Library event is one of five being held throughout the county.

Last week, the City of Union City announced its support for the event by issuing a proclamation to recognize March as Arts Education Month here. Also supporting the event is Alameda County District 2 Supervisor Nadia Lockyer, who will deliver the welcoming address.

More events are planned for the month, including a March 12 arts and crafts workshop on creating items with duct tape and a Persian New Year celebration on March 26. The event will feature a performance by Shahrzad Dance Academy dancers.

“There’s a lot of exciting things we’re showcasing. I’m hoping everyone will come out,” Geroy said.

See the full schedule for Creating Community Through Art below.

What: Art Projects, Exhibitions and Performances at the Union City Library
When: Saturday, March 5, 2011, 1-4:00 p.m.
Where: Union City Library, 34007 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, California 94587.

Schedule of Events :

1-3 p.m.:
Altered Books Art Workshop: A free family art experience. Participants will learn how to create art from recycled books by using a variety of collage materials to give a new life to an old book.  (Library Meeting Room)

2-3 p.m.
Tour of Teen Mural as well as a Tour of Winning Poster Art and Meet the Artists. Teens will be available to meet and greet with the public to discuss their year-long project to create a colorful wall mural based on characters from well-loved books. Visitorss will also have the opportunity to meet the young artists from local schools whose ideas about recycling expressed through poster art won a contest sponsored by the city.

3-3:15 p.m.
Welcome and acknowledgment of artists by Supervisor Lockyer

3:15-4 p.m..
Performance by the Ollin Anahuac Aztec Dance Group.