One of her lovely drawings inspired children in the “I Made It Market” last week. Here is the story in her own words:

When I missed the deadline to apply for a booth, I decided to participate in the Creativity Zone with “I Made it Market” art projects for kids. I have done several venues with Carrie Nardini and Nina Barbuto’s “I Made it Market” in the past. I choose to use my Dollar Bank drawing because Dollar Bank is main sponsor of the Three Rivers Festival, and it was the  most personal way for me to acknowledge that.  It just seemed appropriate, and I knew kids would enjoy painting the large print of my drawing. I wasn’t quite prepared for how many kids would want to do that! Lots of them!! (I was short some brushes.) I created the drawing of Dollar Bank on Fourth Avenue a while back. It’s one of the first buildings I noticed for its scale and wild exuberance when moving here from Boston. It’s funny that when you move somewhere you notice places and  buildings  that are not always the most iconic places yet they become iconic for you. I am always surprised how many people don’t know that building. I still love it!  

Carol’s next great adventure is with the Pittsburgh Society of Artists where she is the publicity chair. She is busy publicizing “Art Day With PSA” a free event June 18 at Trader Joe’s plaza in East Liberty. More Art Day info

Carol Skinger’s Drawing – Images by Renee Rosensteel

It’s easy to get involved:

• Come to a workshop to make a puppet for the performance
• Come to a rehearsal to get a bigger part in the show
• Show up on June 5 and participate

Here is the schedule:

• Saturday, May 21: Workshop (all ages) from 1pm to 4 pm at Studio Capezzuti
• Sunday, May 22: Rehearsal (all ages) from 1 pm to 4 pm at Studio Capezzuti
• Saturday, June 4: Finishing touches (all ages) from 10 am to 4 pm at Studio Capezzuti
• Sunday, June 5: Rehearsal at 9 am in Point State Park
• Sunday, June 5: Performance around noon in Point State Park
• Sunday, June 5: Performance around 4:00 in Point State Park

Here is how to sign up:

• Email Cheryl Capezzuti at cheryl [at] studiocapezzuti [dot] com  cheryl@studiocapezzuti.com
• Call Cheryl at 412-414-0006
• Get more information here!

But it’s so not just about the media. WQED is much, much more than that. It is a champion for early learning, an ardent supporter of local businesses and business people and an advocate for all things cultural, especially the world-class offerings here in Pittsburgh.

Just like one of its biggest celebrities, WQED is a great neighbor within the community. Part of that neighborly love is shared each year during Three Rivers Arts Festival.

WQED will once again have a significant presence through its kids-focused tent at Point State Park. An array of children’s programming will be running from 12-6 pm over both weekends of the Festival. Sometimes, it’s a magic show that encourages a little hands-on abracadabra, at other times, it’s a workshop on Caribbean steelpan or African drums. And I’ll bet you know at least one little fan of PBS Kids superstars Mr. Steve and Miss Rosa, who will be appearing on stage.

I spoke to Deborah Acklin, Chief Operating Officer of WQED Multimedia, about the connection between these two Pittsburgh staples to see how and why they are so important to each other.

“Three Rivers Arts Festival is a lot like WQED and vice versa,” says Acklin. “Each one showcases the best of the community, and we should celebrate that connection.” Acklin points out that these two “free to the public” entities share a common trait in that they are supported by those who can for the benefit of all. It is not uncommon for Pittsburghers to give when it counts the most.

Over the years it has been evident that education happens everywhere, not just in the classroom. “The Festival allows us to pull kids in with the highly entertaining PBS block and then continue to educate them about core ideas such as literacy, science, math, building character and teaching values to name a few. We want to put these elements in front of children as much as possible.”

“The Festival is where WQED needs to be. We want to have that personal touch, because we are more than just the electronic aspects of television and radio.”

When I asked Acklin about what kids can potentially take away from the programming in the WQED tent, she first brought up the research being conducted at the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College. What they have found is that the very best learning happens when it can be associated with a familiar character. This means that there can be an even stronger influence on learning abilities when a character like Mr. Steve or Miss Rosa is involved.

“Bringing in these two beloved PBS stars will help kids to better realize that learning is exciting and life is fun,” she says. “That’s the value of WQED.”  Kids will know they are important because these characters have come to see them in person, instead of just appearing on the television.

WQED has a long association with the Festival. “We really believe in it. And when we believe in something, particularly when it highlights the cultural and the educational, we are going to share it with our own audience.”

Acklin has noticed that other arts festivals don’t always have much of a kid focus, and if there is, the area dedicated to children is small. With the prominent location at Point State Park and the use of the large tent, kids really take center stage at Three Rivers Arts Festival, thanks to WQED. Acklin believes this year will be richer than ever.

“Our hope is that every time a parent steps into the WQED tent with his or her child, something fun is happening. There is so much going on, it can seem like you’re at a different festival each day. We encourage people to come back often.”

To see just how much fun is happening, check out the WQED Tent listings, or simply pop into the tent between 12 and 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Check out the available volunteer positions, and sign up today. There are shifts available for every day of the Festival.

We particularly need people to assist with artist load-in and load-out on June 3, June 6, June 8 and June 10.

At Three Rivers Arts Festival, it’s easy to be handy. You and your kids can try your hand at more than a handful of hands-on activities. (You’ve really gotta hand it to me for that one!)

Read on and explore 10 ways to get hands-on at the Festival. To make it really simple, use your digits to count along with me.

1. I Made It! Market

This indie crafts marketplace can be spotted throughout the year at various locations. Next stop: Point State Park. Chock full of local artists who craft and create ingenious items for sale, the Market will also have inventive make-and-take crafts projects. Fridays and Saturdays 12-8 pm and Sundays 12-6 pm during the Festival in the Creativity Zone.

2. Community Mandala: Recycled Mandala Art

Thanks to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (hi!), artist Paula Purnell and scientist Margaret Zak will lead this group project that puts recyclable materials to good use. The finished product will be an artful community-driven expression. Add your piece! Saturdays 12-8 pm and Sundays 12-6 pm, also in the Creativity Zone.

3. Ceramics, Puppets and Animation

Brought to us by the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, known for connecting art to the community. Watch clay become a masterpiece and doodles on paper come to life using flipbook animation. But the best part is that kids can participate in a puppet-making activity. Hands-on during the process and hands-in during play time. Friday and Saturday, June 4 and 5, from 12-8 pm. Sunday, June 6, from 12-6 pm. Creativity Zone.

4. Eco Arcade

Every great Festival needs an Arcade! This one adds to the fun with an awesome eco focus. Classic games need a little skill and a little luck. Pennsylvania Resources Council staff will help gamers play and learn. Fridays and Saturdays 12-8 pm and Sundays 12-6 pm during the Festival in the Creativity Zone.

5. Creative Reuse Pittsburgh

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. After sorting through buckets o’ fascinating materials discarded at local businesses and organizations, kids can create something brand new and brilliant. This make-and-take activity encourages kids to look at materials in thoughtful and inventive new ways. Open every day during the Festival in the Creativity Zone.

Photo credit: Renee Rosensteel

6. Catch of the Day

Local artist Ashley Hodder constructed a vibrant art installation that serves double duty as an educational fishing game. This booth uses re-purposed materials donated by Construction Junction. Cast your line out for swimming water bottle fish and then sort your catch to learn about biodiversity. Hook, line, thinker! Open every day during the Festival in the Creativity Zone.

7. Yoga in the Park

This is more than hands-on… more like body-on! Participate in an outdoor group Yoga class with qualified instructors from Yoga Is My Health Insurance. Move your body as you get your day moving. Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am in the Creativity Zone.

8. Michael Jackson Workshop

Another whole-body activity up for grabs is this high-energy dance class focusing on the style and choreography of the Gloved One. Dance Alloy Theater’s Teaching Artist Rodra Burress uses jazz and hip-hop to make this activity a real thriller. Be a dancin’ machine! Saturday, June 12 at 10:30 am in the Trust Arts Education Center.

9. Summer Family Reading Series

The hands-on fun can be found all over the Cultural District. The August Wilson Center for African American Culture kicks off its summer series of family read-alouds. The best part? They’re each followed by an art activity that drives the message home. $5 per child. Preregistration is required. Saturday, June 5 and 12 at noon.

10. The Art of Technology

Thanks to the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Art + Technology Initiative, this exhibition of works from our region’s innovative artists and technologists is something to behold. But the human element of technology is what’s at hand here. Several exhibits rely upon human interaction. From manipulating a cube that controls a digital projection to sending tweets and texts used in an installation, it’s hi-tech worth high-fiving about. Every day at the Trust Arts Education Center.

Sure the Festival is a visual arts extravaganza, but what sets this regional event apart is its ability to bring patrons of all ages into the mix with plenty of interactive, tactile opportunities like these.

No one in his or her right mind would want to be left out of the fun!