The Boneyard Arts Festival is interactive family-friendly entertainment at its best in Champaign-Urbana and locations beyond. Puppets! Live music! Dance! So much more! Most of the events are free, but not all. We asked 40 North | 88 West executive director Kelly White for her picks of the top family-friendly events this festival has to offer and we present them here, but be sure to check the entire schedule! Chambanamoms.com is proud to be a Boneyard sponsor. 
Thursday, April 10
Asian American Cultural Center, 1210 W. Nevada St.; 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. with special opening reception 5-6:30pm
This group art exhibit focuses on the theme of “Women, Culture, and Society” and features the work of established artists in the Champaign-Urbana area as well as current University of Illinois students. Artists include Amrita Bamrah, Hua Nian, Ian Wang, Selena Wang, Joy Yang, Lei Shanbhag, Siti Mariah Jackson, and Vivia Diep.
Capoeira Angola Center of Mestre João Grande – Illinois, 221 S. Locust Ave., Champaign; 6pm – Capoeira Angola movement class and 8pm – Capoeira Angola Roda presentation
Come experience a taste of Brazilian Culture right here in Champaign at our 12th Annual International Capoeira Angola Conference at UIUC, April 11-13. We will have performers and guests from all over the world who will lead workshops in Capoeria Angola, Samba, and Capoeria music. We will have Capoeira Angola workshops for adults and kids as well as a Brazilian Cultural show that will feature Capoeria Angola, Maculele (Afro-Brazilian stick dance), and Samba de Roda. For more information and a detailed workshop schedule, visit angolacenterillinois.com or call 217-721-0887.
Community United Church of Christ, 805 S. 6th St., Champaign, Opening reception, 7-9pm
CUCC Peep Show! Community UCC will be hosting art from members and friends of the church. In addition, groups of church members are creating dioramas depicting scenes from the life of Christ using various materials, including marshmallow Peeps.
Japan House, 2000 S. Lincoln Ave., 3 p.m.
Experience the ancient art of tea ceremony with a bowl of warm Matcha tea and a Japanese sweet. The tea ceremony will be held at 3:00 pm for the public. It lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour. You will remove your shoes when you come inside and someone will give you a short tour of Japan House along with an explanation of tea ceremony. Reservations recommended, 244-9934.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana; 5-7 p.m.
The Boneyard Arts Festival connects with Krannert Uncorked for a special performance by the Afrikania Cultural Troupe featuring Midawo Gideon Foli Alorwoyie. Highly regarded as one of Ghana’s foremost virtuosos of traditional music and dance, master drummer Alorwoyie leads his ensemble in the music of the Ewe, Dagbamba, and other cultural groups in Ghana. The Afrikania Cultural Troupe features drummers and dancers from Ghana performing on traditional drums and percussion, assisted by University of North Texas students and members of the local Adzido Drum Club.
Sousa Archives and Center for American Music, 1103 South Sixth St., Champaign; concert at 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Live from the Crossroads: A Snapshot of Champaign-Urbana’s Local Music Scene: This exhibit documents the vibrant local music scene of Urbana-Champaign, Illinois between 1981 and 1986 through Della Perrone’s photographs of such musicians and groups as Adrian Belew and The Bears and the Elvis Brothers performing in such popular music venues as Mabels and Chicos. In addition there will be a special performance by members of the University of Illinois’ Wind Orchestra on Thursday, 1:30-2:30, playing the music that was popular throughout Central Illinois during the 1860s, such as “Lorena,” “Dixie,” “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” and “Hail Columbia.” This concert will be performed on the Civil War-era instruments of the Sousa Archives and Center for American. Exhibit open 8:30am-5pm.
Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory, Urbana; 9am-5pm with free opening celebration with refreshments, gallery explorations, and a special performance of Haitian dance by the Tamboula Ethnic Dance Company from 7-9 p.m.
Exhibit: “Sacred Symbols in Sequins: Vintage Haitian Vodou Flags.” For generations, skilled Haitian flag makers have formed remarkable mosaics of religious imagery by combining and juxtaposing symbols of Europe and the Americas with those brought from Africa centuries ago by captive slaves. Vodou societies (sosyete) generally possess at least two flags that represent both their congregation and the deities they worship. These flags are among the most sacred and expensive of ritual implements. They are magnificent works of art that offer compelling stories about the relationships between cultures.
Starbucks, 503 E Green St., Champaign - 2:30-6:30 p.m.
Featuring digital art works, posters and stickers, and fan arts. Also featuring some additional crafting such as scarves, hair clips, pom-pom balls and needle-felted creatures by MEW3 the anime artist!
University Y, 1001 South Wright St., 9am-9pm with opening reception from 5-7 p.m.
The Murphy Gallery will feature the work of Laura Wennstrom, an MFA candidate in New Media at UIUC. Laura has worked with children in underserved neighborhoods across the Midwest and in rural Ecuador teaching art, reading, and special education. She has developed and implemented art curriculum for after school programs and art classes for students of all ages. In addition, Laura has created several public murals in collaboration with children and adults from local communities. Laura Wennstrom’s new installation piece “Reticulation” is the 2014 Boneyard Arts Festival Signature Image.
CHAMPAIGN – April 11 + 12
Aroma Café, 118 N. Neil St., Friday & Saturday, 7am-12pm
Featuring work by UIUC student Catlin Miller. Her works include aspects of fashion, surrealism, landscape, and cats. Her photos will be displayed along with canvas and print media. Family friendly! Evelyne Tardy creates mandalas for meditation using the collage technique with paper. She will also be showcasing her jewelry which includes metal, ceramic, and beads. Natalie Kettleson is a poet and will have her poems displayed with her own handmade paper. Kathey Kettleson will be displaying her handmade quilts.
Boneyard Creek Community Day, Scott Park (207 E. Springfield Ave.); Saturday, 9am-12pm
Join us to protect our local creeks and lakes and keep our community clean. Volunteers pick-up litter, remove non-native plants, or mark storm drains. Please join us after the clean-up for music and educational displays suitable for all ages. Educational displays include Fishes of the Boneyard, Hydrology Model, Feed the Thing Recycling, and Rainfall Simulator.
Champaign County Welcome Center, 106 S Neil St.
Home of Visit Champaign County and 40 North | 88 West! Featuring work by the Boneyard Signature Artist, Laura Wennstrom as well as a special one-of-a-kind post-it window mural!
Cracked Glass, 202 S. First St.; Friday, 12-8:30 p.m. with an opening reception 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. including 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.: glass cutting demos, 10:45 a.m. & 2:15 p.m.: stained glass soldering demos, 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.: suncatcher/ornament-making workshops
Featuring work by Gary Worby, Richard Taylor, Jo Duchene, Brenda Arteman, Judie Spencer, Dick Detzner, Rick Larimore, and Dennis Roberts.
Fleurish, 122 N. Walnut, Friday & Saturday, 10am-5pm
Featuring work by Kristine Fisher including the alphabet in sign language from a-z on recycled cardboard, coloring books in sign, larger paintings and more.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 119 E University Ave., (music is on Saturday)
Music will headline the day with acoustic guitarist John McMahon performing from 10 a.m.-noon. John returns to the ReStore venue with a mix of rock, folk and country music for all ages. Big Bluestem String Band will perform from 12-1 p.m. featuring music from country love songs to mining ballads and cowboy blues – many performed in four-part harmonies! Also featured will be local artist Lori Fuller and her landscape paintings from 2-4 p.m.
Indi Go Artist Co-Op, 9 E. University Ave.; Friday, opening reception 6-10pm with music performance by the George Turner Trio from 7–9 p.m.
abCU: Letters, Words, and Wisdom is a typography exhibit and fundraiser. In addition to uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet, punctuation, and symbols, this show will feature phrases and quotes. Entries are handcrafted by local artists and designers in a variety of mediums, with emphasis on handmade processes. Past mediums have included screen printing, hand drawn illustration, letterpress, collage, sculpture, painting, and more! All artwork will be for sale at affordable prices. Proceeds will go towards supporting the Champaign-Urbana Design Org (CUDO).
Institute 4 Creativity, 111 S. Walnut St. 2nd floor; Friday & Saturday, noon-9 p.m. with performances on Saturday from 1-4 p.m.
Featuring several local and regional artists in a salon style setting including a wide array of styles, media, and unique expressive voices.
Lincoln Building, 44 E. Main St, 5th Floor, Suite #518 and penthouse studio; Friday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, 10am-4pm
This is your chance to see art in the context of working studios! Paintings, drawings, fine art posters, Giclée reproductions, and found objects assemblages will be on display. Featuring 50 years of self-portraits (printmaking, drawing, painting, cast paper, assemblage, books & zines) by Robert Chapman; oil and acrylic paintings of gardens, landscapes, and many new works in progress by Beth Darling; Melissa Mitchell presents Shrine-O-Rama: Elves making shrines of all kinds from cigar boxes and other repurposed materials, RJ Karlstrom; Jason Michael Bentley; and Jess Beyler. (times vary per studio)
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, 346 N. Neil St.; Friday, 10am – Young People’s Concert; 7pm – Chamber Music Performance; Saturday, 1pm – Young People’s Concert; 7pm – Chamber Music Performance
Featuring the DoCha Festival! DoCha creates chamber music-based experiences for all people that engage all of the senses. Committed to the idea that chamber music can and should be enjoyed by everyone, DoCha is free, fun, collaborative, engaging, and educational. Incubated by University of Illinois music professors in downtown Champaign, DoCha is the 21st century chamber music adventure! All events are free, no tickets are required.
Pekara Bakery & Bistro, 116 N. Neil St., Friday & Saturday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Featuring food art by Samantha Callalan that showcases fine European pastries & cakes presented as edible art (for sale) as well as bread art by Denes Vajda that presents beautiful artisan breads as visual art (not for sale).
The I.D.E.A. Store, 28 E. Springfield Ave., Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Featuring Heena Gajjar, a graduate student of Landscape Architecture displaying designer handmade jewelry made from recycled materials mostly from the I.D.E.A. Store. The value of art lies in the patron’s evaluation, so the idea for the patron to decide on the true value of every piece is put forward. There will be a drop box to put in the money for the jewelry you want to buy and fill in a survey briefly explaining what one liked about the design as well as a brief review of the exhibit.
The Living Letter Press, 105 W. John St., Saturday, 12-5 p.m.
Featuring works by Living Letter Press and Sophie McMahan. The press will be up and running so visitors can make a print. We’ll have some snacks and drinks, too. All ages are welcome.
Twin City Bible Church Midtown, 24 E. Green St. (West side of Green Street Center); Friday, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. with live music and refreshments from 5-8 p.m.
Silent auction of artwork by 20+ artists to benefit Remember Nhu, an organization dedicated to preventing human trafficking of children in SE Asia. Media include oil paintings, acrylic paintings, charcoal, ink, pastels, digital drawings, digital photography, mixed media, book arts, and antique/architectural salvage pieces. Free art activity for kids! For a complete list of the artists and musicians, please go to tinyurl.com/remembernhuartgala.
URBANA – April 11 + 12
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES presented by 40 North & the Urbana Park District:
Saturday, April 12 (weather permitting)
12-3 p.m.: Kids’ Chalk Walk @ Race between Main & Elm
1-4 p.m.: Urbana Park District Kids’ Puppet Creation Station @ Lincoln Square North Entrance – Are you artsy? Do you like to make up your own stories? If so, get ready to create your very own puppets and puppet theatre with the Urbana Park District’s talented Community Program staff! We’ll supply the materials; you bring the creativity! Best of all, you get to take everything you make home with you!
1:30-2 p.m.: Surreal Sound: a cappella group from Unity High School @ Busey Bank parking lot
2-2:30 p.m.: Classy Combinations Belly Dance Troupe @ Busey Bank parking lot
3 p.m.: Desafinado: Brazillian Jazz @ Busey Bank parking lot
2-4 p.m.: Balloon Art @ north Crane Alley
[co][lab], 206 W Main St., Friday, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. -8 p.m.
CU on Board! The Edison Middle School students in 40 North’s ArtSpeak after school program have created their own graphic identity and/or a graphic identity for a community issue of their choice and painted them on re-used skateboard decks that will be on display at [co][lab] for the Boneyard Arts Festival. The ArtSpeak program and 40 North would like the entire community to also get involved with this project including children, teens, professional artists, illustrators, and graphic designers. Blank decks can be purchased online for $15 at 40north.org/cuonboard and will be available for pick-up during ArtSpeak’s residency at [co][lab].
Amara Yoga & Arts, Vine St. Side of Lincoln Square – entrance on the outside of the mall. Friday, 7-9 p.m. – Come meet the artist and watch a free screening of her movie “Sita Sings the Blues”; Saturday 1-4 p.m. – stop by to meet the artist
Featuring: “Thousand Dollar Quilts and other works by Nina Paley” Urbana native Nina Paley is the creator of the animated musical feature film “Sita Sings the Blues,” which has screened in over 200 film festivals and won over 35 international awards. This show features paintings from the movie and recent art quilts.
Beads N Botanicals, 117 N Broadway Ave., Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. with a performance from the Trikhala Bellydance Troupe from 1-2 p.m. and Meet the Artist Reception from 2-4 p.m.
Featuring artist Lee Boyer.
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, 201 N. Broadway, Saturday 4 p.m. (weather permitting)
Featuring Americana band and recent Champaign-Urbana transplants Rebecca Rego & the Trainmen! They just released their debut record “Tolono” this past February to rave reviews from local and regional press.
Champaign-Urbana Potters’ Club, 900 S. Race St.; Friday, 5-9 p.m. open studio & sales; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with wheel-throwing demonstrations at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
The CU Potters’ Club is a not for profit organization with over 40 members, all of whom contribute pieces for sale to benefit the club.
Community Center for the Arts (C4A), 103 N. Race St., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Featuring new work by local artist, Nathan Westerman. Visitors will also be able to tour C4A’s studios, observe student lessons, and listen to LIVE TANGO MUSIC while indulging in light refreshments.
Conservatory of Central Illinois, Lincoln Square, outside Black Rock Pizza; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with a performance from the ECIYO (East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra) at 1 p.m.
“Annual Playathon”: Conservatory of Central Illinois presents a celebration of music making and a marathon of performances!
Dr. G’s BrainWorks Brain Fitness Store & More, 114 Lincoln Square; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with extraordinary origami demos at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Featuring origami artist Xudong Guan. Everything starts from only one piece of paper by just folding. It can be an origami bird, horse, lion, dragon and etc. Not the kind of origami you see every day.
Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W Stoughton, Friday, 8-11 p.m. with a 7 p.m. workshop: Quirky Contra Dances led by Jonathan Sivier
Urbana Country Dancers’ Contra Dance with LIVE music from Big Bluestem. We contra dance to live fiddle and string band music with featured callers in an atmosphere friendly to singles, couples, groups, and families. All dances are taught (walked-through) prior to dancing. We ask dancers to wear clean, soft soled shoes to protect the sprung-wood dance floor. Comfortable clothes are also recommended. $5 donation requested at the door.
The Living Yoga Center & Green Yoga Spa, 115 W Main St., Second Floor; Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Featuring over 100 new paintings by Lyndsey Scott. Artist talk on Friday 7:30 p.m., Acapella Song Circle at 8:30pm. Also featuring a Pop-up Open Studio on Saturday 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.: Wander upstairs to the gallery for inspiration, and then come play with the power of art to uplift. With chair massage on hand to get relaxed, participate in coloring your own I AM LOVE(d)! art reminder, or collaborate in creating large-scale community pieces.
The Urbana Free Library, 210 West Green St., Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (check below for special event times)
Featuring framed prints from Wind, Water & Light Gallery, a visual display of hand blown glass from Larkfield Glass Studio, and an art display by students of Urbana School District #116. Also featuring performances by Prairie Breezes presents Mbira with Tom Turino and Claire Johnson on Friday at 4:15 p.m., Yankee Ridge Enrichment Dance Group on Saturday at 1pm, and USD #116 Primary Grade Dance Group on Saturday at 2 p.m. Also featuring readings by Writers of the Red Herring Fiction Workshop: members of this workshop (Frank Chadwick, John Palen, Lania Knight, Rick Gaul, Bob Switzer, Carolyn Trimble, Karen Hilgeman, Elaine Palencia, and Gary Doherty) will read their work 1-3 p.m. on Saturday in the Busey Mills Reading Room of the Library.
Wind, Water & Light, 161 Lincoln Square, Friday & Saturday, 10-8 p.m., with Cara Maurizi piano performance Saturday, 11 a.m.
Wind Water & Light Gallery represents 100s of local and national artists. We will also feature jewelry from Jill Bush, Erin Masters, and Judie Spencer; glass by Michael Zachay; mixed media by Bonnie Switzer; watercolor and pencil by Matt Pacunas; new work from Larry Steinbauer; work from Danny Reece; and a magical music performance by Cara Maurizi. We will also introduce you to the Wild Wimmin’ Craft Collective, the other side of a collective of women that you may know from their professional life but not their after-hours creative side.
OUT & ABOUT – April 13
Fisher Community Center, 100 E. School St., Fisher
Enjoy a fun, interactive event featuring paintings by Maggie Rae Kirby; caricature drawings done by Dan Wild; photographers Laura Trovillion and Kristin Darling offering a photo booth; Penny Thompson demonstrating jewelry making; and other local artists. In addition, visitors will have the chance to be a part of the Be Kind Illinois/Ben’s Bells Project while crafting ceramic hangings. The Fisher Grade School 1st – 5th grade will participate in an art exhibition with the winning entries being announced at 1:30 p.m. Light refreshments and entertainment will also be included in this FREE event!
Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 2573 S. Homer Lake Rd., 1 to 5 p.m.
See art alive at the beautiful and historic Homer Lake Forest Preserve. Local artists will have one-of-a-kind works on display and for sale. Visitors can experiment creating their own works of art with items from nature. There will be a chance to learn how to sketch, make jewelry, and more! You can even bring your own camera and art supplies; we’ll provide the wildlife and scenery! All ages will be entertained. FREE!
Museum of the Grand Prairie, 950 N. Lombard, Mahomet, 1 to 5 p.m.
Discover emerging and established local artists at Museum of the Grand Prairie! Artists Deborah Fell (art quilts), Fred Delcomyn (photography), Kate and Gretchen Winkler from Cottage Yarn Pros (eclectic fiber art), and Carlie Fieseler (upcycled jewelry) are excited to share their artwork and process with our visitors! The museum will have a small quilt show from its permanent collection that day too! Enjoy live music with the Young and the Fretless from 2:30-4pm, experiment with art, and see the beautiful work that our local artists have to offer. FREE.
Enterprise Art Studio/Rantoul Arts & Artists League, 803 Enterprise Dr., Rantoul, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Artwork from various artists in the Rantoul area will be on display. Artists may be available to discuss their work, and a portrait/figure drawing demonstration will be presented.
Kiefer Photography, 111 E. Sangamon Ave., Rantoul; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Featuring the fine art photography of Julie Kiefer. Includes local images as well as images from around the country. Come in and chat with the artist!
University of Illinois Illini Union Rooms A, B, C, and South Lounge, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
VAMP Film Photography Exhibit. CSSA Photography Studio Contest. Special guest Lyosha Svinarski, owner of the Urbana Photography Museum. Analog cyanotypes photography demo by local photographer Steve Ingram. Live musical performance by Emily Otnes and the Weekdays.
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