NORWICH – Children of all ages will have the opportunity to explore their artistic side during the 18th annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival in downtown Norwich this weekend 9. Admission to all venues is free.

Golden Artist Colors will host two Art Zones for children. Parents are encouraged to bring their children, pre-school through age 9, to Art Zone 1 to participate in a variety of exciting art projects, including decorated slap bracelets and geckos, woven mats, 3-D butterflies, canvas bags, tatoos and a painting area. Children (age 10 & up) and adults are offered an opportunity to explore the world of art and acrylic paints through a variety of exciting projects at Art Zone 2. Materials are provided and activities are free of charge.

Toys for Tots volunteers will assist children in creating balloon dogs and balloon flower hats at their booth. Visitors are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys in the boxes provided. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect and distribute toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. The goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive and patriotic citizens.

Volunteers from the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center of Sherburne will lead visitors in making “Recycled Treasurers” out of otherwise unuseable items. Materials are provided. The mission of FOR is to promote educational opportunities, foster partnerships, provide leadership, and contribute practical solutions to advance environmental education, stewardship and programming which would include informational workshops and outdoor recreational activities offered through the Rogers Environmental Education Center.

Be sure to visit the West Park Stage throughout the weekend for a wide assortment of music , story, and play opportunities for fans and families. You might find children’s musician and storyteller Philip Saidman from the Brooklyn Public Library whose music has been pleasing preschool and elementary listeners and learners for decades. Mustard’s Retreat’s family-friendly offerings include memorable favorites from their vast song catalog. Kim and Reggie Harris perform for students for a major part of their performance year, and we’re fortunate to have them join us. Elizabeth Orleski is also back with the DrumZZone, including African drums you can borrow in her anyone-can-do-it drum circles for all ages. And if you play, be sure to join Dannielle Swart’s acoustic jam – Bring Your Own Guitar (or banjo, or fiddle, or upright bass…you get the picture). Schedules will be posted.

Children should be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, Inc. cannot be responsible for children left unattended.

Located on the greens of East and West Parks in the city of Norwich, Colorscape features over 100 juried artists and crafters selling their wares in an interactive atmosphere that includes music on the stage all weekend long, artist demonstrations, literary and arts activities for all ages, student art exhibits, a competitive poetry slam and the finest in creative food. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.colorscape.org.