BERNICE HARRISONon alternatives to movies and the mall
Midterm art
It’s St Valentine’s Day for the adults, but for kids it’s something far more important: the start of the midterm break. Its worth checking out local libraries and galleries, as they tend to programme some free or low-cost events to help fill up the week with fun activities.
For example, Dublin City Gallery the Huge Lane, on Parnell Square, has a programme of midterm events aimed at children of all ages. Tomorrow it will have its regular Sunday Sketching session for ages seven and up, when children are encouraged to explore the gallery and really look at the art. On Thursday (11am-noon) it is holding an art workshop for three- to six-year olds with artist Lynn McGrane, whose aim is to send all the budding artists home with a bird mobile to hang in their rooms. This session is already heavily booked, but the gallery operates a waiting list, so it’s worth a go. There are still places on the (free) Friday morning workshop (11am-noon) with artist Kitty Rogers, who will teach six- to 10-year-olds about African fabric and help them come up with African- influenced designs of their own. 01-2225550, www.hughlane.ie.
Afterwards, take a stroll across the road to the Garden of Rememberance, the memorial garden dedicated to those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom. Most children will be fascinated by the statue of the Children of Lir (left) by Oisín Kelly and will want to throw a coin into the water for luck.