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Artists Help Children in After-School Programs Prepare for Parade

Young artists are emerging each day in central Indiana. AYS, Inc., a non-profit agency operating before- and after-school and early childhood programs in central Indiana, strives to give children the opportunity to learn about and appreciate art of all cultures.

With a generous grant from the Indianapolis Foundation, AYS is providing classes taught by artists from IUPUI and the University of Indianapolis. Over the next few weeks these artists will be visiting AYS afterschool programs in Marion and Hamilton Counties. Over 500 children will learn the many traditions of Mardi Gras around the world and make masks from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

The children will display their masks during the 8th Annual AYS Mardi Gras Mambo Parades in Indianapolis and Noblesville on February 2, 2008. Children and families from AYS programs will march in the parades, along with family focused agencies and businesses, floats, horse drawn carriages and Miss Indiana USA and Miss Teen Indiana USA.

The AYS Mardi Gras Mambo parades are a multicultural celebration of central Indiana children and families. For more information, visit www.ayskids.org/mardigras or contact Director of Arts Education Keith Monfreda at (317) 803-3134 x20 or kmonfreda@ayskids.org.


Posted: 1/10/08