3/20 ARTY FUN OF NOTE

Hi from The Cambridgeport School Arts Committee. It's that random time of the week where I attempt to inspire you to add some arty fun to your life. Please pass it on.

Saving the Planet by Watching Films

Saturday, March 22, from 11am to 12:30pm, Environment science non-profit “e” inc. (not to be confused with local tech company E Ink) is running Boston KIDSFEST, a free, six-week-long series of fun animations about saving the planet for children 5yo and up accompanied by an adult. The movies are taking place at Boston public libraries and are "designed to spark imaginations and inspire young people to take action in protecting the planet." The hour of short films will be followed by a hands-on activity that each child can take home. This week's showing is in Brighton at 40 Academy Hill Road. Sign up on Event Brite.

Free Screenprinting Workshop

Print Club Boston is offering an informal workshop to artists and makers in the Somerville area Sunday, March 23^rd from 11am-3pm at The Green Room, 62 Bow St., in Union Sq., Somerville. It will run throughout the afternoon and you can drop in and pick up the basic skills for designing and printing your own tote bag or poster. Instruction on using stencils and mixing water-based printing inks will be shared. Bring a smock or apron. RSVP here. 

Kids Are Crafty

Michael's, the craft store in Porter Square offers affordable classes on particular subjects from Rainbow Loom meet ups to crochet, as well as 1.5 hr long $2 kids clubs on Saturday. Take the T, parking there is always annoying. 

A Moment of Arty Appreciation for the BPL

The Boston Public Library offers so much, and for free. This weekend you could swing by the exhibition, Public Women, Private Lives at the main branch in Central Square in the Rare Books Lobby (9am-5pm through the end of May). This exhibit gives a sense of some of America's women writer's beyond their published works, by also displaying letters they wrote to friends, publishers, and one another. This exhibition of books and manuscripts from the Boston Public Library’s special collections includes the words of Emily Dickinson, Louisa May Alcott, Julia Ward Howe, and more.

If you don't speak English as a first language, but want to try your hand at creative writing in English, stop by the free ESL Creation Writing Workshop on Saturday between 10am-12pm in the Mezzanine Conference Room at the Central Library. Bring your favorite writing materials. For more information, please call _617.858.2446 or email mmurray@bpl.org.

Steve Lechner is doing a really cool workshop for kids to make their own optical illusions. It's for kids ages 6 and up. It's at the main branch children's room from 3-4pm, or you can use it as an excuse to check out the amazing new modern East Boston branch from 11am-12pm (265 Bremen St.)

The BPL also offers free public tours highlighting the celebrated art and architecture of the Boston Public Library’s McKim Building (1895), a designated National Historic Landmark. The art and architecture tours begin at the Dartmouth Street entrance of the Central Library in Copley Square. No appointment is necessary, check the website for times that work for you.