It’s a "green" thing this year in the Children’s Art Tent. Explore your creative side and be inspired by the fine arts and crafts of Festival artists and the narrative paintings of Rik Freeman currently on exhibition at Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE). Sample GRACE’s many children’s programs, including Art in the Schools, Explore More, Summer Art Program, and children’s workshops as you transform recycled and natural materials into wonderful works of art. Among the activities are:

Veggie Prints: Who knew you could use veggies this way? Make a veggie stamp then create a print using paint made from natural pigments. Did you know you can make paint from berries?

Natural play dough: Get your hands dirty by creating your own play dough using flour, salt and water. Then use your imagination to turn it into a sculpture.

Art on a Stick: What kind of art can you create using a paint stick, paper plate and recycled materials? Will you make a mask or sculpture? Use recycled materials to create your art then enjoy walking the festival.

Recycled Beading: Make your own brightly hued beads from colorful magazines and catalogs. String finished beads on hemp, colorful wire or yarn. You can make a beaded necklace, bracelet or crown to take home.

Mark Making with Nature: Use found materials from nature such as branches, sea sponges, pine cones and many others to create a "natural" painting.

Community Mural: We welcome adults and children to add their artistic marks to the community mural, "In the Garden," located just outside the Children’s Art Tent. The mural was drawn by Herndon High School art students.

Activities in the Children’s Art Tent will be open 10 am to 5 pm, both Saturday and Sunday. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tent is located in Town Square Park, at the intersection of Market and Explorer streets. ADMISSION IS FREE!