Head Start celebrates Day of the Child with art, activities

Head Start celebrated its fourth annual Day of the Child Art Show on Friday.

In total, 175 children along with their families joined in the various activities and marveled at the opportunity to show their artistic creations.

"This is a day to celebrate our children, the families and the commitment to raise our children," said Kelly Janis.

Fifty-four students, wearing "featured artists" tags, from Head Start's three classes, took part in the event.

The art display included everything from watercolors, clay sculptures, shaving cream pictures, object paintings, works with crayons, markers and recyclables, to dioramas and butterflies made from coffee filters.

Head Start organized a special program, to entertain the families. Program Director Liz Dilley joined by Head Start staff, sang "Magic In Our Hearts," a song that was inspired by a former child of "Head Start" who told Dilley, "I've got magic in my heart."

The audience was entertained by special folk dances from the children of ECHO (Elmore County Hispanic Organization). Kristine Valdez, or "The Balloon Lady" as she is called by Head Start, made balloon sculptures. Valdez made everything from swords to tigers to hearts and snakes.

The audience also got the opportunity to see a performance from the Mountain Home High School cheerleaders, and the children got the opportunity to high five the Tiger mascot.

The activities the children enjoyed included face painting by the Head Start staff, fingerprinting from Melanie Rhodes and the junior cadet officers from the Mountain Home Police Department (each child received a toy badge from the department) and finally the children got a chance to be Jackson Pollack by throwing paint-filled balloons at a tarp tied to the back fence.

Brian Reed from the Mountain Home Fire Department was in attendance with one of the department's trucks on display for the children.

The turnout impressed the teachers and Head Start staff.

"I think this was wonderful. The turnout seems to get bigger and bigger each year," said teacher Patricia Phillips.

"It was better than expected. Last year's was great but this year's was even better," said center supervisor Jose Martinez.

"This was a huge turnout, but a nice turnout," said family advocate Dora Gomez.