Art, poetry come together at free kids workshops

A series of free hands-on poetry and art workshops just for kids will be taking place at Shake-A-Leg in April.

"O, Dalé Miami" workshops, which is as part of the O, Miami Poetry Festival, is led by poet Jeff Sanford amd artists Steve Saiz and Lillian Banderas, will feature a different theme and approach, with opportunities for kids to explore creative techniques behind making zines (a small cirulation self-published magazine). At the end of each class all children will have art objects they can hold in their hands and take home.  

Materials will be provided, and participants should bring any and all pre-existing drawings, photographs, collage materials, etc. that they want to include in their zines.

“We want kids to feel like they can fully express themselves in a fun positive environment,” said Lillian Marie, host of the series. “We're artists from different backgrounds and mediums who enjoy empowering children and families through fun art lessons.”

All workshops take place at 10:30 am at Shake-a-Leg, 2620 South Bayshore Drive. Workshops will be filled on a first-come basis, and will be small in size; participants are encouraged to show up early. The workshops are completely free of charge, and no previous experience is needed to participate. Information at omiami.org

Upcoming workshops:

April 7 - Make a poem to your favorite toy, pet, or friend. Children will learn to build a poem dedicated to their all-time favorite toy, pet, or friend. The teachers encourage participants to bring stuffed animals, toys or pictures of their loved ones for inspiration. All children will take home a poem, illustration, and polaroid dedicated to their beloved!

April 14 - Poetry Patches and Pins  Dalé Zine teaches kids how to make their very own poetry patches and pins to add to backpacks, totes, or jean jackets. Participants learn basic embroidery stitches, write a cute poem, an leave proud of their new embroidery skills.

April 28 - Flags & Banners Ever made a poem you were so proud of you wanted to display it big and loud? In this workshop, kids will learn how to make a felt banner and flag, to hold and share poems. 

O, Miami, a poetry festival supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, has as its mission for every single person in Greater Miami to encounter a poem. Between April 1 and April 30, the festival puts poems in public places and collaborates with individuals and organizations to create unique experiences that blend poetry with music, food, meditation, sports, art, and film. 

Dalé Zine, established 2009 in Miami, is an independent publisher with the goal of giving a platform to multimedia artists and designers, and providing artistic expression in a fun friendly environment through the most low-key format ever, the zine.

With humble beginnings as a zine collaboration about Garfield, Dalé has broadened into something of an open cultural space for the Miami community, with offerings ranging from all-age and zine and family-oriented art workshops, to an independent radio show and pop-up events, and to their just-open storefront in Downtown Miami, at the 777 mall on Flagler Street. Information at dalezine.com