BETHLEHEM, Pa. — ArtsQuest will bring back a slate of free programs this fall designed to make the arts more accessible to families, children and teens in the Lehigh Valley.
The nonprofit announced the return of three education programs — Toddler Storytime, ALL ACCESSible Tours and the Teen Takeover Program — alongside the kickoff of its monthly First Friday events on Sept. 5 at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.
Toddler Storytime, a collaboration between ArtsQuest and the Bethlehem Area Public Library, began Thursday at the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks. The weekly 30-minute sessions, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health, invite toddlers and caregivers to celebrate picture books through reading, singing and movement. The program continues through early June, with bilingual Spanish sessions offered on the second Thursday of each month.
The ALL ACCESSible program also returned Thursday, giving participants a chance to experience art in a hands-on way. The Sensory Art/Living Art Exhibition and Touch Collection features interactive fiber works by artist Mallory Zondag that can be touched, worn and manipulated. The program, designed especially for those who benefit from a tactile experience, is available at both the Bethlehem Area Public Library and the Visitor Center at SteelStacks. Reservations are required.
Starting Oct. 7, ArtsQuest will launch the Teen Takeover Program. The free initiative offers workshops with professional artists, hands-on visual arts classes and opportunities to curate and create content. The program culminates in a Teen Takeover event planned and hosted by participants. Teens can also earn community service hours by taking part.
ArtsQuest will also relaunch its monthly First Friday events in partnership with the SouthSide Arts District. September’s edition runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the ArtsQuest Center and will feature live music from Planet Infamy, an exhibition of Zondag’s “What Lies Between Us,” hands-on art activities, and a pop-up market showcasing local artists. A ticketed Wine’d Down Workshop on watercolor and ink painting with Rachel Cavotta is also on the schedule.
“We are happy to be able to continue our free programs without pausing during the construction,” said Joanne Garcia, ArtsQuest’s manager of education and PCA programs. “Our partnership with the Bethlehem Area Public Library has been fantastic in bringing in more families to enjoy Toddler Storytime. This program along with ALL ACCESSible and Teen Takeover provide art-enrichment experiences for all ages, and we are looking forward to another great season.”
All programs are free to attend. More information and registration details are available at artsquest.org.
