Playworks sells toys that invite play and enhance early childhood development [fun for all ages]

Fall is in the air, bringing us renewed energy after the high heat of summer. Now, briefly, we have time to indulge in arts and culture. At least that’s what happens around here. Our city sponsors Art Weekend~three days, six events, all free. How cool is that?

On ArtNight, participants enjoy an evening of art, music, and entertainment as 14 prominent arts and cultural institutions swing open their doors. Foodies, history buffs, artists and art lovers, musicians and music aficinados spend Saturday exploring the Art of Food, ArtHeritage, ArtWalk, and ArtRhythm. On Sunday ArtPerformance presents a cultural dance festival featuring dances from around the world. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Adjacent cities and towns have sidewalk art shows and arts and crafts street fairs that find people outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather and admiring the creativity of the artists and craftspeople showing their creations. You never know who you will meet or what you will discover. Our own Heidi Floren is a fine artist who shows her oil paintings at ArtWalk and year round at http://www.heidiflorengallery.blogspot.com. Indulge yourself: take a virtual stroll through her gallery and savor the beauty.

Creativity takes many forms, and encouraging children to experiment and discover what happens is essential. Offering multiple avenues of exploration enhances the creative process. Think about the many ways a child can experiment in the process of expressing an idea. One might draw a stick person with a crayon, marker or pencil. With each medium, the product will be different. She might bend and shape Wikki Stix, pipe cleaners, or Brain Noodles into a person. Although the process is similar, the products will be different. She might roll out play dough or clay, slice thin strips and fashion a person. Again the materials are similar, and the products different one from the other.

To encourage exploration and experimentation, our October special includes Wikki Stix Neon @ $5.20 per pack and Brain Noodles @ $12 per dozen, assorted colors. Special prices reflect a 20% discount. Order as many and as often as you like through 31 October 2010.

Seize the opportunity to savor the season and be creative! E-mail us pictures of your creations~in any medium~and we’ll assemble a virtual photo gallery for all to visit. This could become the first annual Playworks virtual ArtWalk. Why not?