Santa Ana Artist Village ART Walk and ART Bar

One of my favorite things to do on the first Saturday night of the month is the Santa Ana Artist Village ART walk. The artists in the village and the Santora building open up their galleries and studios and allow you take a close look at their work. I’ve walked it many of times and it is really fun. It would be a perfect thing to do if you have kiddos that are little artists and it’s a hit with older kids and teens. The walk covers the four blocks of the 2nd Street Promenade from Broadway Avenue to Spurgeon Street on the First Saturday of EVERY month from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Admission is FREE.

You can walk around and visit the galleries in the Village and also make sure to stop down in the basement of the historic Santora Arts Building at 207 N. Broadway to listen to live music and visit the ARTbar Hands-on Studio. Kids and adults can paint a 5″x5″ canvas for the collaborative exhibit which is growing to include hundreds of painted canvases, which are then sold to support the local artist fund. On ARTwalk nite the exhibit entry fee and canvas are FREE (usually a $19 entry fee). You can bring your own paints or buy paint “shots” for $1 each color. Older children love seeing their artwork on display in an exhibit, and it’s even more fun when it sells! http://www.theartbar.net/ for more info, or call 714-558-2445.

Your family will love the ART walk nights-I promise!! It’s also perfect for date night. I would add dinner at Memphis or dessert at Gypsy’s Den for a fabulous date night. For additional info click here

PARKING:Covered parking for the Art Walk – is available just a block away, at the Artists Village parking structure at Third Street and Broadway, for $2. I’ve also parked on 4th street in the metered parking which is free after 6pm. It’s a two or three block walk. Hope to see you there!!

Free Admission to the Kidseum/Bowers Museum

There is nothing better than free admission to a great place. I promised I would bring you one post a week of something free. Here is the tip of the week. The first Sunday of the month, pack a bag and head to the Bowers Museum and Kidseum. Both of these fantastic places are free the First Sunday of the month thanks to generous funding from Target.

The kidseum is a perfect place for the kiddos and the Bowers is perfect for anyone. You will love it and the deal is even sweeter because you will be able to do something fun with your kiddos without spending a dime.

for additional information click here

Bob the Builder at The Discovery Science Center

Just in time for summer at the The Discovery Science Center. From May 23 to Sept. 7, 2008, Bob the Builder and his can-do crew invite aspiring builders and their families help to get the job done, as the first-ever hands-on Bob the Builder–Project: Build It traveling museum exhibit visits Taco Bell Discovery Science Center.

This 2,000 square-foot multimedia exhibit is sponsored nationally by Indianapolis-based Delta Faucet Company and inspired by HIT Entertainment’s top-rated television series, Bob the Builder – Project: Build It. It will replicate elements from Bob the Builder’s world in Sunflower Valley, inviting exploration, inspiring teamwork and bringing environmentally friendly building themes to life for children and families.

The Bob the Builder – Project: Build It traveling museum exhibit will invite families to spend time in Sunflower Valley with Bob the Builder, Wendy and the rest of the can-do crew. Children can practice their own fixing with kid-smart activities that build up their can-do attitudes and encourage them to be an active part of Bob the Builder – Project: Build It. Families can also work together to install new parts to sinks in Bob the Builder’s mobile home and in his building workshop, and learn about water conservation, courtesy of exhibit presenter Delta Faucet Company.

The nuts and bolts of the exhibit:
Meet the Can-Do Crew – Construct an afternoon of activity — build memories and snap photos with a life-sized, three-dimensional Bob the Builder and Benny, the specialist digger.
Bob’s Mobile Home – See Bob the Builder’s blueprint for success as children explore their favorite builder’s mobile home. Children can be part of the crew and help fix the drip coming from Bob the Builder’s sink or watch video clips from the popular series.
Build the Machine Shelter – Be part of the team, laying stones in the walls of the machine team’s shelter and building stalls for Roley, Scoop, Benny, Muck and Scrambler to sleep.
Drive a Machine – Let’s Scram! Rock and roll with Roley the Steamroller and dig up fun with Scoop the Digger!
Talkie Talkie – This problem-solving crew has a lot to say and each member has a special phrase. View a picture of each team member and push a button to hear their famous catch phrases, “No prob, Bob” or “Let’s rock and roll!”
Wendy’s Caravan – Wendy needs some help from the team to refurbish and decorate her caravan and plant beautiful flowers.
Water Pump – Farmer Pickles isn’t the only one in Sunflower Valley that knows that water conservation is important. Children can explore the interactive water pump station, learn important messages about water conservation and help to bring water to Sunflower Valley.

About Bob the Builder™
Bob the Builder and his machine team are ready to tackle any project. As they hammer out the solutions that lead to a job well done, Bob and the can-do crew demonstrate the power of positive-thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and follow-through. Most importantly, from start to finish, the team always shows that The Fun Is In Getting It Done! Bob the Builder is produced by HOT Animation and can be seen building, digging and hauling on PBS KIDS® and PBS KIDS Sprout. For more information about Bob the Builder, and the can do crew please visit http://www.bobthebuilder.com/.

Discovery Science Center, 2500 N Main Street, Santa Ana

714-542-2823