Towson community comes together for Family Arts Day
By Meghan Hudson, Contributing Writer
Featured image by Meghan Hudson
Towson community members of all ages gathered for Towson University’s Family Arts Day on Nov. 4 in the Community Arts Center.
Children ran freely throughout the second floor atrium from activity to activity, exploring their artistic abilities. Towson students were stationed throughout the event not only to assist in the activities, but to converse and have fun with local families as well.
Activities ranged from watercolor-resistant art to K-Pop dancing, allowing artists of all abilities and ages to have fun.
Director of the Community Arts Center Stacy Arnold said her goal was to make the day’s activities fun for the whole family.
“First and foremost, we needed to make these activities intergenerational,” Arnold said. “We really want the entire family to have a good time.”
Arnold said attendees were not piecing together mere craft projects; they were creating real art.
“We are teaching real artistic techniques and allowing everyone to explore which techniques work best for them,” she said. “Everything you see reflects actual artistic practices, and in providing this opportunity, community members get to experience varying art cultures.”
Arnold hopes that experiences like this might guide children into pursuing a possible career in the arts — perhaps even at Towson.
“These kids may even envision themselves continuing their art here at Towson, and having this experience can prove important for them in the future,” she said.
One local community member, Pam Chen, said she and her family are repeated visitors at the event.
“We have probably [come] around five times,” P. Chen said. “I think the activities they have set up are always great. This is not just for Towson students, it is for Towson families.”
P. Chen enjoyed that all members of her family could participate in the craftmaking — including herself.
“I like the fact that this is a whole family activity,” she said. “From the very youngest to the oldest you can sit here and have fun. And I have to say, I like that it is free…. My kid can come and make as many [crafts] as she wants to and I can too.”
The event extended past the atrium and into multiple exhibits and art studios. The Center for the Arts Gallery and the Asian Arts Gallery both remained open to the public throughout the event, allowing access to the Printfest and the Hallyu: The Korean Wave exhibits. Many visitors were seen slowly strolling throughout each exhibits, soaking in the elaborate works of both professional artists and Towson student artists. The Asian Arts Gallery was filled with groups of people taking a walk through the history of K-Pop and challenging themselves in Just Dance with a K-Pop twist.
Just down the hall from the Asian Arts Gallery was the beginning of the studio tours. The tours guided community members throughout the various work spaces of Towson University art students. One studio, occupied by second year graduate student, Rachel Horner, stood out as it was completely covered in large and detailed prints, and colorful artistic pieces.
“For me, especially because I also teach high school art full time, seeing the kids come in and get to experience this I think is important,” Homer said. “Being able to just see the possibilities of what they can do in the future or even just for fun is amazing.”
Many parents and children alike expressed their excitement to be able to come back and experience this all again in the spring. P. Chen’s daughter, Sophia, was very happy to be at the event for her fifth time, and shared this enthusiasm in coming back.
“I like all of the things here,” S. Chen said. “I did a printmaking class here last year. I like drawing too, and now I’m drawing some swans! I’m excited for all of the things I can do next time.”
