Make free art in the parks

The Allied Arts ArtsVan is ready to hit the road, bringing free art projects to local parks around the Valley. The Summer ArtsVan is a drop-in daytime program designed for kids ages 5-12 (keep reading for Family Night info). New projects are offered weekly, June 22 through July; additional locations in Toppenish run until Aug. 14.

This year’s theme is “Great Moments in Art!” Each week will focus on a different artist and techniques:

• June 22-26: Pop! Paper People, focusing on Keith Haring and use of expressive lines.
• June 29-July 3: Coffee Filter Waterlillies (Claude Monet, color and value).
• July 6–10: Shoebox Sculptures (Louise Nevelson, space and form).
• July 13-17: Cubist Collage Faces (Pablo Picasso, variety and shape).
• July 20-24: Cut Paper Designs (Henri  Matisse, shape, color and texture).
• July 27–31: Mobiles in Motion (Alexander Calder, movement and balance).

Here’s where to find the daytime Summer ArtsVan, June 22-July 31:

• Mondays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Franklin Park, 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive, Yakima; 1-3 p.m. Miller Park, N. 4th & “E” streets, Yakima.
• Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Randall Park, 48th Avenue south of Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima. 1-3 p.m. Southeast Community Center, 1211 S. 7th St., Yakima.
• Wednesdays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Kissel Park, S. 32nd Avenue and Mead, Yakima; 1-3 p.m. West Valley Park, 1323 S. 80th Ave., Yakima.
• Thursdays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Martin Luther King Park, S. Eighth Street and E. Beech, Yakima; 1-3 p.m. Milroy Park, 16th and Lincoln avenues, Yakima.
• Fridays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Community Center at Buena Nueva Housing, 66 Highland Drive, Buena; 1-3 p.m. Wapato Library, 119 E. Third St., Wapato.

The ArtsVan also will stop from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays (July 10-Aug. 14) in various locations around Toppenish:

• Safe Haven: July 17, 31, Aug. 14
• Railroad Park: July 10
• Olney Park: July 24
• Lincoln Park: Aug.

And, look for the Arts Van at the downtown Yakima Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. third Sundays. It also will stop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. second Saturdays at the Chalet Place shopping center, corner of 56th and Summitview avenues, Yakima.

FAMILY NIGHTS

In addition to the daytime program, ArtsVan Family Nights are offered during the Sunset Concert Series at Yakima’s Franklin Park, 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive. Family Nights, geared for children ages 2-12 and their grown ups, will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 9-Aug. 13. Projects are different than those offered during the day; this year’s Family Night theme is “Around the World in Art!”

Family Nights will also be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 24-July 29 in Tieton Park in downtown Tieton.

For more information, visit alliedartsyakima.org.