While watching the Fremont Arts Council (FAC) Solstice Parade is nifty-keen, being a part of building this incredible piece of celebration art will provide rush beyond description. Perhaps best of all, a contribution can be large or very, very small.
The FAC have posted their annual list of materials they need, on their website, and it includes items like brown paper bags, cardboard (larger than 4’ x 4’,) flat bed sheets, scissors, tape, large pieces of fabric, toilet paper, hammers, screwdrivers, colored markers, etc. Consider a quick clean of your pantry or tool chest – and donate some items you didn’t need any way to help a great cause.
Drop off materials (check the list for items not needed) with a staff person during open studio hours – weekdays 6p – 9p, Saturday and Sunday 11a – 5p. Or stop by and help hammer a nail, join an ensemble or take a look at what will take to the road for the 2011 Parade on June 18th at Noon.
Consider also signing up for one of the many intriguing workshops scheduled for this season. This weekend learn about:
- Hoops! Taught by Leslie Rosen, on Saturday, June 4th from 2p – 4p at the Powerhouse (3940 Fremont Ave N) Cost: $40, includes materials Pre-registration suggested. Learn how to make a hula-hoop, and how to walk in the parade throwing kisses and doing official parade waves… Open to all ages, artists under 16 should have a guardian accomplice.
- Wings & Giant Flowers, a two-part class taught by Leslie Zenz, on Fridays, June 3rd & 10th from 6p – 9p at the Powerhouse. Cost $10, includes materials. Pre-registration suggested. Learn how to make wings (fairy, butterfly or pixie) or giant flowers from wire & fabric. Geared for ages 13 and up.
- Leather Masks & Accessories, a two-day intensive taught by Mylinda Sneed on Saturday & Sunday, June 4th & 5th, from 11a – 3p, at the Powerhouse. Cost $50, includes materials. Limited registration. Learn to design, shape, fit and finish a mask, and the basics of small project leather sculpting. For ages 16 and up.
- Giant Puppets Save the World Workshop on Silk Dyeing, taught by Sarah Lovett and Toni Mikulka on Sunday, June 5th, from Noon – 4p, at the Powerhouse. Learn to make and use hand-dyed silk bird feathers for giant puppets, using the Bread & Puppet style. For ages 16 and up.
Also, the Ice Queens would welcome any willing hands that want to work with a glue gun and multi-sized fluffy coffee filters, and help build the Ukon Juhla ensemble. Find out more by stopping by the old Portage Bay Goods storefront (706 N 34th) on Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu from 6p – 10p, Sat and Sun from Noon to 5p.
Finally, Mylinda Sneed, the Parade Communications Manager, suggested visiting the volunteer list. “There is no way we could do this without our fantastic volunteers,” she wrote by e-mail, “and this year, along with an ever worsening economy, volunteering seems to be in decline.” Sneed has no scruples about begging, if it will get the people needed to build a parade, “we need you!”
For much more information on the parade, and what all is happening as the parade building season grows more frenzied, check out the Facebook page or website. Or stop by the Powerhouse, and lend a hand!