Art + Technology = Bots? Tart? Fun, anyway

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In celebration of May Festival of the Arts, young emerging artists will have some hands-on opportunities to create projects combining art and technology.

Main Stage Creative Community Center, at 67 N. Main St., will host three Maker workshops in May. The sessions are open to everyone, and all costs are covered by Main Stage and a grant from the City of Eureka Springs Arts Council.

Each session will run from 9 a.m. until noon. On Saturday, May 4, kids can build Bristle Bug Bots. These tiny robots have a toothbrush head, pipe-cleaner legs, a motor and a battery. The Bristlebots can travel in circles, straight lines, or scoot about randomly. With their legs dipped in acrylic paint, the bots can even create art.

Saturday, May 11, focuses on Electronic Fiber Arts. E-textiles are fabrics with embedded electronics. Kids will design with fabric and light to build glowing wearable art. On Saturday, May 18, everyone will work on a large PVC pipe musical instrument for the Outdoor Music Park, and families are encouraged to join in the effort.

Anyone wishing to sign up for these classes can go to mainstagecenter.org, or call or text (479) 981-9991. Those presenting the class hope for sign-ups online or by phone, so they can prepare materials.