Wright State arts students ready to share their love of the arts with local kids at ArtsFair

Wright State students love passing on their passion for the arts to children through instruction, games and performances at ArtsFair.

Spring’s annual ArtsGala may get all the headlines but Wright State’s performing arts students love participating in December’s ArtsFair — an event where they get to teach children and families about the arts — just as much.

“I participated in ArtsFair my freshman year and it was such a blast,” said senior musical theatre major Meredith Zahn, who will perform in excerpts of “No, No, Nanette!” at this year’s event. “I am so excited to be a part of the experience again this year.”

The College of Liberal Arts will host ArtsFair Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon in the newly renovated and expanded creative Arts Center. The event is set to draw scores of families to experience the arts at Wright State.

The guiding idea for the event is simple: introduce kids and families from the community to the fine and performing arts and give everyone a chance to interact.

It’s a real hands on opportunity for kids and families who come to ArtsFair.

“We can’t wait to welcome the families in our community to this year’s ArtsFair,” said Kristin Sobolik, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “Children and adults alike will enjoy a wide variety of interactive arts activities led by our fantastic fine and performing arts faculty, staff and students.”

The breakfast event is $5 per person and includes live theatre performances, hands-on percussion music discovery and performance, interactive art activities, dancing and acting lessons, make-your-own instrument activities, artistic demonstrations and vocal music performances.

ArtsFair was first hosted in 2011 and again in 2013 thanks to generous support from Morris Furniture Company. President and CEO Larry Klaben is proud to sponsor this unique family-friendly event.

Learning new dance steps is one of many ways children get to be part of the show at ArtsFair.

“ArtsFair is a wonderful way to expose young kids and teens in our region to the arts. Whether it’s playing the drums, participating in a painting activity or learning a short dance routine, children will be able to tap into their creative energy in a really fun way,” said Klaben.

“My husband and I took two grandchildren to ArtsFair 2013 and they loved it,” said Ruth Schumacher, professor emerita in the Wright State College of Education and Human Services. “We are passionate about the arts, and this event allowed us to share that passion with them.  We look forward to the new memories we’ll make together at this year’s event.”

For tickets and additional information, visit wright.edu/artsfair or call 775-2233.