Local children and their families are invited to paint, draw, sing and dance with professional artists this Sunday, Jan. 25, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Discovery Museum’s 5th Annual Nat Fast Children’s Arts Day, a free community event celebrating the arts and the legacy of local artist Nat Fast.
“Nat Fast was a true Renaissance man and an extraordinary artist and teacher who was a special friend to the Discovery Museum. He was a champion of arts education for young people, and his legacy lives on at our annual Nat Fast Day,” Executive Director Chris Slaughter said.
Fast passed away at the age of 89 in October of 2013 after a decades-long career as an artist and teacher on the Central Coast. His generosity and creativity have made a lasting impact on the Santa Maria Valley Community and beyond.
“Nat knew that the greatest gift we can give our youth is hands-on experience in the fine and practical arts. These essential experiences teach children to be creative thinkers and help create more complete and successful individuals,” Slaughter said.
This year’s Nat Fast Day will kick off at noon with cartoon design lessons led by children’s illustrator Laura Thomas, who spent 11 years as an illustrator and designer for Walt Disney Imagineering. Families will also enjoy a marble painting activity with museum staffers and a performance of popular children’s music by Jacqueline Edwards, a local singer, actress and costume designer.
Starting at 2 p.m., children will swap their Tempera paints for water colors as part of a painting activity led by members of the Orcutt Children’s Arts Foundation (OCAF). Award-winning sculptor Laura Moll will also show them how to turn lumps of clay into beautiful works of art, and mixed-media artist Beverly Johnson will help them concoct some colorful silly putty. Children are encouraged to take both of these creations home with them.
Located at 705. S. McClelland St., the Discovery Museum is fun for all ages, with 13,000 square feet of “please touch” exhibits, weekly programs and special events that explore ourselves, our valley, our world and beyond. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Discover the power of play at the only children’s museum in Santa Barbara County.
To find out more about special events like Nat Fast Day, our ongoing weekly programming and more, visit smvdiscoverymuseum.org or call 928-8414.
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