By Kara Hallissey, Staff Writer

(Dec. 7, 2017) Screen-printing T-shirts and making ornaments and wreaths are a few of the projects children can create during Artfest at Berlin Intermediate School, this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The art department is slated to have 23 holiday-inspired stations set up for children 3-12 years old, which include sculpting, acrylic and watercolor painting, drawing, printmaking and music.

“[Children will be] screen-printing shirts and tote bags and decorating panels for Operation We Care boxes, which get filled with goods for troops overseas,” said Stefanie McElhinny, a visual arts teacher at Berlin Intermediate School. “There will be a variety of choices including ornament making, wreath designs, rock painting and watercolor winter scenes.”

Each station will include an assortment of supplies, and children are advised to wear paint-friendly apparel. Children have the opportunity to complete multiple projects, which could be six or seven throughout the three-hour community event.

“This year, the theme is geared toward the holiday season and those children who may not be able to afford gifts for love ones and friends have the opportunity to make a handcrafted painting, ornament, wreath or sculpture,” McElhinny said. “This is an event that creates memories and experiences that get every level artist involved.”

The Parent Teacher Association will have hot dogs, soda and water for sale.

Children must be accompanied by an adult or they will not be allowed entry. The cost is $3 cash to participate and admission includes a tote bag. Attendees should come through the front entrance of the school.

“The entrance fee goes directly toward our Artfest fund so the event can continue annually and we can add new types of art activities,” McElhinny said. “Each project costs an average of a dollar per child.”

The event has taken place for more than a decade and continues to grow in size while exposing children to unique art projects. About 200 children came out to the event in 2016 and McElhinny hopes to have 300 participate this year.

“Berlin Intermediate School’s faculty, administration and students do a wonderful job participating in promoting arts with education,” McElhinny said. “Organizations like Berlin Intermediate School’s Parent Teacher Association, Little Dreamers Wellness Center, Worcester Arts Council and Ocean City Art League contribute to the funding to make Artfest come alive.”

About 25 Stephen Decatur High School students will be on hand to set the stations up, teach participants the techniques and procedures and help break down everything at the end, while also receiving service learning volunteer hours.

“This event is wonderful because it is a unique, community event that brings parents, children, the school, local businesses and volunteers together to promote the arts in our county,” McElhinny said.

For more information, contact McElhinny at 410-632-5320.