OJAC Mayfest set Saturday
Spring will be celebrated by families this Saturday at the Old Jail Art Center as the staff hosts a family festival featuring crafts, games, food, and music inspired by May Day traditions.
The Mayfest will start at 12:00 noon, and participants are invited to come and go until 3:00 p.m.
“Mayfests have been celebrated throughout Europe each spring for centuries as communities come together to enjoy nature and warmer weather,” said education coordinator Molly Merck, “but this is the Old Jail’s first Mayfest.”
She encouraged whole families to join in the fun.
“Plant a gift for your neighbor, braid the maypole, enjoy a story from Lady Flora, and try some traditional May Day treats,” she said.
In addition to viewing student artwork from Region 14 schools that will be on view in the Stasney Center for Education, visitors can investigate OJAC collection artifacts.
The family festival is free and open to the public, but there are a couple of other upcoming events that include a nominal fee to participate, both with registration deadlines that are quickly approaching.
Mother’s Day Tea
On Saturday, May 11, a Mother’s Day Victorian Tea Party is planned at the Old Jail from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Mothers, aunts, grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters, and nieces are invited to share the event with a loved one.
The only stipulation is that the tea is designed for ages eight and up, according to OJAC staff member Jewellee Kuensler.
Participants at the May 11 tea party will design their own spring hat before enjoying finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, and teas, with a small charge of $5 per person.
“There will also be a fun presentation about proper Victorian tea etiquette,” said Kuensler.
Registration deadline for the Mother’s Day tea party is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 6, with online registration available at theojac.org.
Third Thursday
A brand new idea for the Old Jail’s Third Thursday Studio – “Pop-Art Pet Portraits” – requires that participants send in a digital image of their pet by Monday, May 13.
The workshop itself is set for Thursday night, May 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
“This month, in celebration of National Pet Month, we will be creating a colorful pop-art style portrait of your preferred pooch or fave feline,” said Merck, who added that pictures of turtles, fish, birds, pigs, and other pets can also be used.
She asked that all those interested in participating send a clear, close-up image of their pets to mmerck@theojac.org by the end of the day on May 13.
They should also register by visiting theojac.org or by calling 325-762-2936.
The cost of the workshop is $15 for OJAC members and $20 for non-members.
