Macy’s Arts Sampler returns with free arts, activities to local venues

Macy’s Arts Sampler presented by ArtsWave will return in 2017 with a variety of art to enjoy across the region, including events and activities in Butler and Warren Counties. This annual event is a free, family-friendly way to celebrate and experience the arts.

“One of the highlights of the weekend is going to be the final event on Sunday, February 19 at 5 p.m., and it’s a performance by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati at the Taft Theatre. They will present the highlights of their Wizard of Oz show,” said Lisa Wolter, managing director, ArtsWave.

The Macy’s Arts Sampler was started over three decades ago as a way to give back to the community. This is the 31st year for the event. It has become a popular festival that families look forward to every year. Last year’s total attendance was over 11,000. There are over 60 arts organizations represented at Macy’s Arts Sampler weekend.

Arts in the region – with more than 90 free arts performances and activities, including music, dance, theater and more will be held in 18 neighborhoods throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in 25 different venues.

“As a parent who has brought my children to Arts Sampler probably every year for the past 15 years, I think it is a great opportunity to experience something new that maybe you haven’t seen before, or a chance to check out some of these interesting spaces,” Wolter said.

It’s a great opportunity if you have children who are interested in music, or visual arts, to take them to several venues in one day, she said.

On Saturday, February 18, in Butler County, there will be events held at Fairfield Community Arts Center in Fairfield, Fitton Center for Creative Arts and Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum in Hamilton and the MidPointe Library in West Chester. There will also be events in Mason at Crossroads Church in Warren County on Saturday. United Dairy Farmers (UDF) is the regional sponsor. A complete schedule by venue is available at: www.CincyArtsGuide.com.

“This is our 11th year of participating in Macy’s Arts Sampler, which is put on by ArtsWave. It’s a celebration of the arts in the community, and it occurs through the generosity of Macy’s, UDF and ArtsWave’s Annual Community Campaign,” said Marketing Specialist David Sheldrick, City of Fairfield Parks & Recreation.

It’s been popular with quite a few families in the area. It’s always free. It’s a chance to bring your kids. The goal is to encourage people to get out and experience live art and performances, he said.

“We have this beautiful facility here, so it’s a great opportunity. If you haven’t been to the Fairfield Community Arts Center, and checked out our theater, which is a wonderful theater - It’s intimate, it’s up-to-date, and there’s no risk. Come check us out. It’s free, and we have some great music and performances planned,” Sheldrick said.


Macy’s Arts Sampler Highlights:

Fairfield

Macy’s Arts Sampler returns to the Fairfield Community Arts Center on Feb. 18, for a series of free performances. Performances will include Forget-Me-Not Dance from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., where participants will learn more about dances and music during the World War I era. From 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., Skool Aid will allow attendees to use drums to play rhythmic games and explore musical terms and mathematical concepts. During School House Symphony from 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m. guests will receive an introduction to symphony instruments, the musical families they belong to, and a chance to play them. ROKCincy will present a performance of Mozart’s fairy tale opera “The Magic Flute” from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Fairfield Community Arts Center is located at 411 Wessel Drive.

Hamilton

Guests will enjoy a wide variety of art experiences as part of Free Family Arts Day at the Fitton Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 18. Participants can sample everything the Fitton Center has to offer, including visual arts, pottery, sculpture, music, theater and dance. The Fitton Center is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park will offer free admission to view their outdoor collection of art displayed on over 40 acres. Free admission is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 18. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is located at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road.

West Chester Twp.

Programs at the MidPointe Library on Feb. 18 include hands-on art for all children by the Arts Council of West Chester and Liberty. From 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The West Chester Symphony will perform “The Legend of William Tell” and the “William Tell Overture” from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. At the “Instrument Petting Zoo,” guests can try out a string instrument under the guidance of professionals from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. “The Legend of Tannhauser” will be performed by the West Chester Symphony from 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Additionally, West Chester Silver Strings will perform a world premiere of “Sighting at Loc Ness” by Gayley Hautzenroeder from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. MidPointe Library West Chester is located at 9363 Centre Point Drive.

Mason

Macy’s Arts Sampler will bring a mix of local singer-songwriters to the stage at Crossroads Mason on Feb. 18. As part of a “Singer-Songwriter Symposium,” the musicians will share the stage for 30-to 45-minute sets. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crossroads Mason, 990 Reading Road.

A complete schedule by venue is available at: www.CincyArtsGuide.com.

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