Embark on an 'animal magic' adventure at Lisburn's Island Arts Centre

PARENTS looking for something to occupy their little ones, over the summer will be happy to know about the Island Arts Centre's Children's Arts Festival 2010.

Billed as an 'Animal Magic Adventure' in a world of imagination and wonder, the Island's Animal Magic Children's Arts Festival is formulated for the under 12's and runs until August 28.

Jelly babies (babies aged 10 wks – 6mths old) and Cute Creepy Crawlies (6mths – crawling) are fun sessions of gentle movement and play using carefully selected music, nursery rhymes and props for the littlest of little ones.

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For bigger babies aged 9mths to 15mths the Island's Animal Antics (Saturday July 24) is an animal adventure with simple fun interactive activities and games you and your baby can enjoy together.

Mini explorers aged 2-5 will adore Safari Stories. This delightful combination of storytelling, drama and hands-on craft activities are guaranteed to get you smiling. Each session is unique so why limit yourself to just one safari adventure. Meanwhile 2-4 year olds are invited to join Baby Elephant's Big Adventure. Everyone will help hunt for Baby Elephant's favourite teddy in this enchanting celebration of storytelling, imaginative movement and crafts. Don't forget to bring your teddy.

Conservation heroes aged 6-8 years can dive into an Ocean Adventure (Friday July 23 10.30am – 12.30pm) and discover colourful coral reefs and the bizarre creatures of the deep. After designing their own under-the-sea world children will transfer their creations into a fabulous magnetic fishing game to create an interactive take home treat. Or they can embark on a recycling expedition with Children's Festival artist Katie Blue to create Wild Animal Puppets (Wednesday 11 Aug, 2-4pm). You can bet Old McDonald never had a farm like this one! In Slithering Snakes A Go Go (Wednesday August 18, 10.30am – 12.30pm) the workshop does exactly what it says on the tin – 6-8 year old will create their very own slimy slithering snake that really moves.

Globetrotters aged 9 and upwards can join renowned Children's Artist, Katie Blue for Wild Africa Super Sculptures (Thursday July 22, 2-4pm). Giraffes, lions, antelope, wildebeest and more will be made from everyday junk materials. Or go crazy with clay and create Super Scary Clay Sculptures (Thursday August 12, 10.30am – 12.30pm).

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Designed for kids and families always on the go. The importance of play with parents and families, peer interaction, skill development, creativity and imagination are all at the forefront of the Island Arts Centre's Children's Arts Festival 2010.

The Island Arts Centre's magical Art Zoo exhibition is a zoological feast of animal sculptures and gallery games designed just for children. Many of the interactive recycled sculptures are lovingly inspired by animal stories in the news, highlighting issues of conservation and animal welfare, providing information that parents can use to help kids learn about these amazing creatures.

At the heart of the exhibition, is the exceptional talent of artist Katie Blue. A maverick recycler and junk sculptor Katie's trademark humour and artistic alchemy transforms everyday junk and discarded toys into a marvellous menagerie of animals to the delight of children.

One fun attraction is Katie's colourful prints, inspired by toy animals made from socks! There is no need to book but for your convenience access to certain parts of the Art Zoo may be restricted during Safari Story Sessions and Animal Feeding times.

For further information or to book for any of the workshops, contact the Island Arts Centre on 9250 9509 or log onto www.islandartscentre.com.

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