ArtSPARK returns to TROY’s International Arts Center on Saturday

Troy University’s International Arts Center will host ArtSPARK on Saturday, May 20, offering free hands-on art projects and activities for area children.

The event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday and is designed for pre-K and elementary-aged children, but open to children of all ages.

ArtSPARK includes a hands-on art activity, an art scavenger hunt, story time and outdoor activities in the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park.

The event will include a hands-on art activity provided by Erin Craft, along with story and snack time, an art scavenger hunt in the IAC galleries, and outdoor activities in the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park, including feeding the turtles and fish in the pond. Families can stop by at any time during the event; it isn’t necessary to stay for the entire duration.

The art activity is inspired by the IAC’s current Foyer Gallery exhibit “Afterglow: Recent paintings by Zdenko Krtić,” which is open to the public until Aug. 27.

Children and families will also have the chance to see other exhibits on display at the IAC, including the Art & Design Thesis Exhibition and the Spring Undergraduate Sculpture Show, featuring artwork by current and graduating TROY students, all found in the Huo Bao Zhu Gallery. The IAC’s permanent exhibitions include the Nall Hollis Museum, as well as the Warriors Unearthed exhibit highlighting the original significance of Xian, China’s Terracotta Warriors. Outside, the visitors can enjoy the 200 replica terracotta warriors on permanent display.

ArtSPARK began in 2021 offering Troy children and families the opportunity to interact together in a creative environment, fostering social engagement using art as a tool and providing culturally enriching opportunities. IAC’s ArtSPARK program has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

The IAC is located at 158 International Blvd. on the Troy Campus, adjacent to the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park. The IAC can be visited Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Access to the park and the 200 Terracotta Warrior display is available seven days a week.