Plainsboro Library’s annual arts festival on Saturday, September 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. showcases diverse works of local artists, many of whom will demonstrate and teach their craft.
The library’s gallery continues with “Lost and Found,” a show highlighting the work of Russ Rice, Bob Justin, and Art Lee — who use “trash,” household objects, and recycled items in their sculpture, assemblages, and other works. Lee will guide festival-goers in the development of a sculpture using recycled materials and found objects. Rice, an artist and musician, will show you how to make a simple musical instrument from found objects.
Tatiana Sougakova’s installation, “If Streets Wore Jewelry,” created especially for the festival, will be on display. The Plainsboro artist used more than 50 different hand-painted patterns to create the installation — as well as one recycled item. She will speak briefly about her work.
Children and adults will be invited to participate in a weaving project using plastic yarn (plarn). Artist Liz Adams will lead the group in producing fabric on the library’s seven-foot upright earthloom.
Another experience for everyone will be the creation of a large mandala — a circular symbol of unity, used in meditation — under the guidance of designer/artist Julia Pankratova.
Susan Melander will demonstrate crafts inspired by the garden, including homemade potpourri for sachets. She will also show small flower arrangements, pressed flower cards, bookmarks, book bouquets, and pictures.
Toymaker Sue Albert of Playful Creations Twirling Arcade will supervise participants in tossing, juggling, and flying handmade hula hoops, juggle sticks, and scarves. Grace and Allison Kwok will teach Chinese knotting for use in the fabrication of bracelets and small trinkets.
Other activities will include henna, face, and fabric painting. There will be demonstrations of Chinese brush painting and calligraphy. Test your skills at the Embroiderers Guild’s table.
Kids can try salad spinner painting. Everyone can paint super boxes to create habitats from oversized cartons. Participants are invited to add their own art to a long table mural. Unframed work by participating artists will be for sale.
Live music will be performed throughout the event, including a set of original and familiar tunes by the After Hours Trio. Members of the trio include Dennis Thatcher, Trish Miele, and Diane Desaulniers.
Festival of the Arts, Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street. Saturday, September 21, 1 to 5 p.m. Free. Rain or shine. 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
