Public Notice
Local events to benefit good causes.
By Kate X Messer, Fri., Sept. 17, 1999
Art and Kids
It's such a natural combination. Young minds, not quite totally corrupted by the ways of the world, work in ways that when we grow older we lose. The inadvertent theme of this week's column was created by the events herein -- dedicated to kids, dedicated to art.
The kids from the Children's Photographic Collective are back this semester, with lenses in hand and fresh views at heart. If you recall, this past spring the kids from the part of the collective at Andrews Elementary School held a photo expo of their work at the State Capitol Building. This time out, the micro focusers will proudly show their own proud, fine photographic expressions at the Central Market Cafe, 38th & Lamar, from now through Tue, Oct 5 in an Exhibition of Photographs. These results are from an extensive photography workshop sponsored by the city through the Dougherty Arts Center. Director Christa Blackwood works with teachers at schools to teach kids about creating images and to challenge their concept of images in society. Heady stuff for tykes who are, on the average, nine years old (see photo)! Students learned to use totally manual cameras and produced as well as processed these images. Keep an eye peeled for more from these and other schools' kids involvement with this innovative and engaging program. 462-0559.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Just Shut Up and Play
For a scant seven bucks you can find out who the mysterious Austin Conspiracy of Performing Songwriters are and hear them play to benefit Music=Link, a national nonprofit designed to "link" potential prodigies (or just kids interested enough in seriously learning how to play a musical instrument) with local music teachers and access to all they need to take lessons. It all goes down at La Zona Rosa (a place with a name that sounds downright conspiratorial, come to think of it --), Sun, Sep 26, 4-8pm. Another benefit of being a kid? Admission for them is free. Oh, we should tell you who some of the acts are, but that would give it all away. Hee heee heeeee. http://www.soundsofaustin.com/aps or 380-7334.
Play Day Heyday
Next weekend, Sat, Sep 25, 10am-3pm is Kids Day America '99, a funtime clinic and event dedicated to children's health, safety, and environmental awareness. There will be all the assorted frivolities associated with these things (clown, magician, food, games, stories), including a raffle to benefit Helping Hand Home for Children. 477-1020.
Walk the Talk
Official National Walk Our Children to School Day is Wed, Oct 6. That just about sums it up. Not much more to say. Sounds like a good idea. Do it. Teach 'em how to do it safely. Get some exercise. No arguments here. http://www.nsc.org/walkable.htm 
