THE MAGIC LANTERN 
CELEBRATION FOR 
CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
THIS SUNDAY ON THE
PASEO

From a recent Magic Lantern Celebration. Image provided.

“We are all Magic Lanterns, lit by the light of imagination.”   Inspired by this verse, the artists of Paseo are opening their studios to the creativity of children on Sunday, October 27 from 3:00 to 7:30 PM.   A time of light instead of fright, children are invited to descend upon the streets of the Paseo Arts District to celebrate their creativity by bringing to life characters of their own making.  On Paseo, children can jump into their own imaginations and have fun doing it with a different twist to the Halloween tradition  through visual art, dance, and song.  Community artists are offering children of all ages hands-on costume-making workshops from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a “Spin and Sparkle ” where children can parade in their costumes from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

All that children need to do to prepare for the event is to have an active imagination, wear their everyday clothing to Paseo, and be ready to make wonder from paper and little bits of collected possibilities.  Discovering and doing are the main ingredients needed to make the most of this event.   Awaiting children are all kinds of paper that can be twisted, crumpled, folded, ruffled, and embellished into fantastic sculptures to be worn over their clothing.  Their imaginings can inspire an endless variety of characters. Children and parents can walk from studio to studio to build original hats, add a touch of shimmer to their faces, and find a pumpkin friend in twigs, leaves, and flower petals.  This is an engaging opportunity for parents to be involved in the problem solving aspects of their child’s constructions.  Helping hands and brainstorming are an important part of this creative process.

           

The celebration will culminate in twilight when children can display their costumes.   A giant winding pathway painted on the street in the shape of a Pumpkin Jack ‘O Lantern by artist, Elizabeth Muller, provides the setting for the spectacle of costumes.  The StarDanceSwan dancers and Steve McLinn of Ojas Music, join children in generating a spinning, sparkling dance of light and energy. 

“This is a unique experience for children, not only are they making wearable art, they are also moving into the realms of theatrical expression and creative dance.  I am delighted to watch the children become immersed in the creative process; they embody the wonder of the Magic Lantern verse, their faces seem to glow, ” says Lorrie Keller of Theatre Upon a StarDanceSwan who designs the celebration.   “Halloween is full of sweets, but the real treat of the Magic Lantern Celebration is in the authenticity each child brings into their own creations.” 

The Magic Lantern Celebration is organized to happen whether the weather is rainy or sunny.  Costume Making is from 3:00 to 6:30 PM.  Plan your day to stay for the Spin and Sparkle Parade from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.  Activities are held at the north end of Paseo at NW 30^th and Dewy.

The studios participating are Rainbow Fleet, Paseo Art Space, StarDanceSwan, ArtScape, and Paseo Pottery.  All activities are free to the public. Donations are appreciated to help with the costs of the event. The Magic Lantern is made possible through the support of the State Arts Council of Oklahoma, the Paseo Arts Association and Theatre Upon a StarDanceSwan.  For information call the Paseo Arts Association at 525-2688 or go to www.thepaseo.com.

From the press release