Thousands create some Downtown fun

By Irma L. Bravo
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Family Arts Festival
Organizers estimate 15,000 at the event

Entertainment and education went hand in hand Sunday at the third annual Family Arts Festival in Downtown.

Organizers estimated that about 15,000 people attended this year's event. There was a better turnout this year because last year the Olympic torch passed through Tucson on the day of the festival, said Shirley Chann, co-founder of the Tucson Arts Odyssey and festival volunteer.

Throughout the festival grounds from La Placita Village to the Tucson Convention Center, people could sample a variety of performances by area entertainers, musicians and artists. Hands-on arts tables and booths kept the children busy.

Some visitors said the festival was important because it provided a prominent stage for a diverse group of artists and entertainers. Others agreed that it was an educational experience for young and old.

"I think it (the festival) is important because it brings all the different arts together," said Cecilia Bakun, who graduated from the University of Arizona arts department in December. She was helping out at the festival's Animals in the Desert chalk art activity.

Bakun, 27, said art is more than fun. She said it teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and is important for children to experience in order to have a well-rounded education.

"It is enjoyable, fun and educational," said Andrea Owan, 44, who attended with her two children and husband. "It is a wonderful opportunity for children to experience different arts. When people think of art, they don't think about music and dance."

There were four performance stages at the free festival, which was sponsored by the Arizona Daily Star in partnership with the Tucson-Pima Arts Council. Performances ranged from traditional Navajo, Filipino, Japanese and Czech dances to mariachi and accordion concerts.

"I think getting together and having lots of performances is great," said Abe Gross, 32, a Phoenix consultant who drove to Tucson to attend the festival for the first time. "It is very different, not something you can find everywhere."

The UA Museum of Art displayed portraits from the museum and had an interactive project for children to make pop-up portraits.

"Art is very important in education," said Marcy Saoud, 23, a recent arts graduate of the UA. "Kids who are hands-on learners can have higher success. It is also a good opportunity for children to see what is in the community."

Children were among the many performers at the festival, including the Cactus Cowboy Corral, a youth educational organization.

"This is one of the more local performances we get to do," said Jared Krentzel, 12, a student at Safford Middle School, who performed with other trick ropers. "We come out to rope all day."

Contact reporter Irma L. Bravo at 629-9412 or ibravo@azstarnet.com.