Art&Seek Jr. is one mom‘s quest to find activities to end the seemingly endless chorus of the “I’m Bored Blues” while having fun herself.  Impossible you say? Check back on Tuesdays for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

Believe it or not, you don’t have to sign up your kids for art lessons, take them to “fancy-schmancy” exhibitions, or invest in expensive baby DVDs with the words “Mozart” and “Monet” in the titles to get them interested in art.  Believe it or not, even the simplest of introductions can ignite the spark.

I remember a rainy afternoon when my mother pulled out the Reader’s Digest Family Treasury of Great Painters and Great Paintings and one by one pointed out the masters and their unique styles. I couldn’t have been more than 5, but I still recall her pointing at the painting At the Moulin Rouge and saying, “this one is Toulouse-Lautrec. Can you say that? Lautrec–like your brother’s show, Star Trek.” Not the type of thing you’d think would have a lasting impression, but to this day I’m a lover of Lautrec’s work, and I think of my mother every time I see one of his paintings.

Ignite the spark with your baby at one of these arts and culture events.

Meet the Very Hungry Caterpillar at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church. (photo: OLUMC)

Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar comes to life in the form of a gigantic Yarn Bomb at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church. Over 100 knitters and crocheters from all over the country have contributed yarn pieces to transform the children’s classic into yarn. Kids can pet the 18 foot caterpillar, walk through the story and then visit several activity stations based on the book. You can see the colorful insect this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you liked the screen adaptation of Into the Woods, then see it where it all began–on the stage. Farr Best Theater in Mansfield is making it easy for you to introduce the kids to musical theater with their production of Into the Woods JR. This adaptation features the same zany fairy tale mashups as the original, but reworked especially for young performers and even younger audiences. The show opens April 16 with performances through the weekend.

You’ve heard of April in Paris, but do you know about April in Edom? The Old fashioned street fair and art festival kicks off its 11th year in funky downtown Edom, Texas this weekend. There will be fun and entertainment for the whole family including more than 75 artisans selling hand-made crafts, an interactive kids area, food and music. The good folks in Edom like to point out that their festival is unique above all the other festivals going on about now because theirs is “pet friendly” and boasts both a pet parade and contest (with prizes).

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is pegging the good time silliness meter with What’s Up Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones exhibition. You can introduce your kids to the genius who brought Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd to life. The show features sketches, storyboards, animation cels, photographs, audio-visuals, and interactive experiences that um…illustrate how Jones worked his magic. If you go this Saturday, be sure to check out Animation Studio: Drop By, Give It a Try where kids are invited create their own animated characters using materials like LEGOs, clay, and paper and then capture action using animating software.

Spark creativity this weekend at ArtsPark. Photo: ArtsPark

Speaking of geniuses. Comic strip genius Charles Schulz’s work is currently on display for an up close and personal look at the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Headquarters & Museum Complex.  Peanuts… Naturally, is a light-hearted look at nature as seen though the eyes of the characters of the Peanuts comic strip. At this exhibit, you’ll get a Peanuts-perspective of the universe, “web of nature,” trees, birds, the elements (snow, wind, rain and clouds), gardening and Charlie Brown’s escapades through comic strips, videos, objects and interactive stations. You’d better hurry though, this fun exhibit is only open through Earth Day which is April 22.

Celebrate the close of Dallas Arts Week with a visit to ArtsPark. In case you haven’t heard of it, ArtsPark is a super-cool event that brings together arts and cultural organizations from across North Texas together under one roof at NorthPark Center. You and the kids can find out more about the arts organizations in our area, learn a new creative skill, or just come out and enjoy the live performances, programs and demonstrations. The fun happens this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer. She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 9-year-old daughter, Rose. Tell us about your quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at tpowell@kera.org.