Mama Says

If you find yourself downtown between 11 AM and 9 PM on Friday, July 18, chances are you’ll encounter someone singing, dancing, acting or otherwise performing on the street. It’s all part of a series called Sparx in the City, bring street-level arts to downtown. One day each month through October, there will be a day of public art for all to enjoy.

The results of June’s Sparx are still visible all along Euclid Avenue in the form of fire hydrants decorated by local artists. July’s event, “The Streets are the Stage,” will feature not just a day of performances, but also special attractions in visual arts. Near West neighbor and fiber artist Carol Nesper will present a trunk show to coincide with this event. Stop by the Four Corners Gallery in the Colonial Arcade between noon and 7 PM to see her creative clothes for kids and more.

The impetus behind this series is to use the arts as a catalyst for economic vitality. So eat lunch on the sidewalk, buy a birthday gift for someone, and invest a little in your city.

Make Patio Stones

This summer, Art House is offering a workshop for teens and adults in crafting your own patio stones from mortar and glass. It is only two hours long, costs $20, and is offered on the following Thursday nights: 7/10, 7/31, 8/7, and 8/14. Artist Deby Cowdin will teach you how to make stones that are durable and weather resistant as well as beautiful, and then you can go home and make more with your kids. Set them as a garden accent or border to liven up your yard. Space is limited; call 216-398-8556 for registration information.

Garden Club

Passionate about poppies?  Blotto for basil?  Only truly happy with dirt under your nails?  Then join the brand-new Near West Garden Club to garden-party with your tribe.  We meet monthly in members’ gardens to nosh, chatter, explore garden ideas from ancient to postpostmodern — and best of all, swap plants from our own gardens.  July’s meeting date and location TBA — call Mati Senerchia at 216-651-1352  or email matims@msn.com

Art Afternoons

ParkWorks just gave us some late-breaking news about Orchard School Park, West 41st south of Lorain. On Wednesdays at 3 PM through August 6, Young Audiences will present a series of free arts events for kids. I don’t have further details, but both ParkWorks and Young Audiences have a great reputation for innovative and engaging programming, so it’s going to be good. Stop by!

Tie-Dye Workshops

Carol Nesper, a fiber artist and certified elementary school teacher, will be offering summer workshops in tie-dye for kids and adults ages 5 and older at her studio.

Get together your group of 4-8 people, and call Carol at 216-721-4100 a week before you’d like to have your workshop. Times available for scheduling the workshop — which should run between 60 and 90 minutes — are 9 AM - 3 PM Monday through Friday, and 9 AM - noon on Saturday.

For $18 per child, you’ll get all the materials and instruction needed to make a bandana, scarf or t-shirt. Or you can choose to do a sundress for an additional cost.

Morning Group

No play group the first week of this month because of Independence Day.

FRI, 7/11, 10 am - noon. Garden Art Time, hosted by Friends of Fairview Park. Pack sunscreen and a snack (we’ll bring water and lemonade), and join us under the shady trees at Kentucky Garden, West 38th & Franklin, for play and craft time. Be prepared to take your child home dirty, wet and tired!

THU, 7/17. Rachelle Coyne, at her family’s summer cottage on Catawba Island.  About one hour drive.  Very casual day.  Please come 11AM or later and stay as long as you’d like.  Older kids are very welcome.  Bring:  bathing suits, towels, sunscreen, watershoes.  To coordinate a tailgate or carpool, please call Diane Lechner at 216-651-1990.  Call Rachelle or Diane for directions. See below for follow-up Moms’ Night Out.

FRI, 7/25, 11AM-1PM, Diane Lechner.

FRI, 8/1, 10 AM-noon, Mary Becker.

Afternoon Group

As perhaps you’ve noticed, if you’re a regular at afternoon playgroup, it’s been tricky getting together on Friday afternoons since school let out. We’re going on hiatus with this time slot until September. But folks who have attended the afternoon session are urged to drop by the morning play group, or — better yet — call Diane and volunteer to host at the time and day of your choice.

Glutton for punishment that she is, Rachelle Coyne will host a double-whammy: playgroup in the afternoon and Night Out in the evening. If you want to bring your kids to the Coyne’s cottage on Catawba Island for playgroup, plan to stick around for an evening of hanging around with moms — or just join us in the evening. For more information, contact Rachelle at nightout@mamasays.org

Kids ages 8-17 have a whole assortment of opportunities for learning fine and decorative arts at the city’s only rec center devoted exclusively to the arts. The summer program at Cudell Fine Arts, 10013 Detroit, includes subjects as diverse as gardening, pottery, papermaking and sewing — all of which are offered free to city residents.

Younger children can get in on the action when accompanied by an adult. Family Clay is offered twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 pm, and Family Crafts is from 6 - 7:30 pm on Friday. There’s even a one-hour PeeWee Arts class from noon-1 PM on Fridays, for families who love art but would love to leave the glue and glitter stuck to someone else’s table. No registration required; just drop in.