Children encouraged to share creativity at Kidz Creative Korner

Downtown Las Vegas has numerous activities available to the community, especially in the 18b Arts District. There is one group of people, however, that some believe has been overlooked.

"There's so much for adults to do with the arts district, but there's really nothing for kids to do," said Mundana Ess-Haghabadi, co-coordinator of Kidz Creative Korner, a free arts event for children. "I got requests fro m mothers to do something for kids, and that's how Kidz Creative Korner was started."

Ess-Haghabadi, who works with Born and Raised Productions, organized the bi monthly event with business partner Erik Amblad and downtown resident Lesley Perceval.

Kidz Creative Korner lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each first and third Sunday of the month on the patio at Bar+Bistro at The Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd . Each Kidz Creative Korner event has a different theme and provides children of all ages with the chance to let their creativity show through art, music or poetry.

Perceval said Kidz Creative Korner not only gives children an opportunity to express their creativity but also to become involved with the Las Vegas art scene.

"We always have an open mic where kids can come up and sing or present something they painted," Perceval said. "There's a chance for one of them to win and have their work featured at one of the galleries in The Arts Factory for two weeks. It's very encouraging to have these kids get up and share (their works), knowing there are rewards behind it."

The first Kidz Creative Korner event gave more than 60 children a chance to trick-or-treat at downtown art galleries and decorate pumpkins in October. Its most recent event on Nov. 20, The Art of Giving Thanks, included a scavenger hunt for the kids to gain ideas for their works of art and a lesson in how to make pancakes from Bar+Bistro chef Beni Velasquez.

Amblad said the event is crucial to the growth of the 18b Arts District and the community as a whole.

"We know if the arts district is going to continue to grow, we need to reach out to the youth in our community," Amblad said. "One comment we've heard from parents is that they couldn't bring their kids to First Friday. Kidz Creative Korner is that first introduction to arts and The Arts Factory, and the kind of discovery we've seen with parents and kids is cool."

Amblad said children ages 1 to 17 attend the event alongside adults, making Kidz Creative Korner ideal for any age group. The reason the event caters to a wide range of people, Perceval said, is that art appeals to each age group.

"Everyone should have the opportunity to experience art," Perceval said. "Kidz Creative Corner is inclusive. Anyone and everyone can attend, and we have enough going on at each event to cater to every age group."

Although children are encouraged to being their own art supplies, Ess-Haghabadi said most are provided. Ess-Haghabadi said by providing supplies and with the help of volunteers, she hopes to keep the free program around for as long as possible.

"If art isn't being offered in schools, which is the easiest place for kids to be exposed to it, we have to offer something for them without a price tag," Ess-Haghabadi said. "We want kids to explore all aspects of art, including music and dance, and this (program) is definitely something the community needs."

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-0492.