Tapping into the imagination

Lolita Harper

The monster under the bed. The invisible friend. The boogie man.

Talking animals. Magic dragons. These are all typical figments of a

child’s imagination. All of which demonstrate the creativity of young

minds.

Another exhibition of youthful talent is this year’s Imagination

Celebration, in full swing all across Orange County until May 24.

Celebration officials are promoting more of that colorful thinking

and will host art events aimed at children during this year’s event.

Places such as the Laguna Art Museum and the Orange County Museum of

Art will display works made by tiny hands and offer workshops for

kids to stop in and be artists.

Although it is a countywide event, many of the festivities take

place at arts venues in Costa Mesa, festival officials said. Seven of

the 65 festival events are scheduled at area malls, schools, museums

and theaters.

“Costa Mesa is really a big part of our production, as there are

so many art venues in the city,” spokeswoman Michelle Petersen said.

Area parents can take their children today to the May Faire, from

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Waldorf School of Orange County, 2350 Canyon

Drive. At his event, families will step back in time for a

celebration of merriment and tradition, including dancing around the

May pole, craft making, story telling, puppet shows, fiddles and

games, Petersen said.

The Orange County of Performing Arts Center will also host two

performances for the festival, including the grand finale on May

25th.

“The Family Art Show” exhibit at the Orange County Department of

Education showcasing the work of young artist is ongoing until May

25, and 100 Pieces of Art will be on display at South Coast Plaza May

3 to 11.

Over the years, the celebration has picked up steam. The first

Imagination Celebration Spring Festival was in 1985. It ran two days

and offered five events. Last year, the event ran 16 days, with 57 events. Almost 1 million people -- half of them children -- partook

in those events.

Officials this year have set a new benchmark, as the festival will

run six weeks -- more than double the number of days from last year

-- and feature eight more events.

“We are thrilled with our expansion and proud to host the largest

children’s art festival of its kind in the state,” celebration

director Daniel Stekol said. “Art so enriches our lives, but far too

often you must be rich to experience it.”

The only riches required at the Robinsons-May Seasons of the Arts

event, the title of this year’s Imagination Festival, are those

involving abounding colors, a wealth of inspiration and vision.

Other events are in 17 other cities throughout the county. Most

events are free of charge or a minimal fee.

Log on to www.icfestival.com for a complete list of events.