MU partners with Chamber for children's event

HUNTINGTON -– Marshall University is providing assistance to the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce for its 4rd annual Children's Arts Festival Extravaganza (CAFE).

The free event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, on Ninth Street between Third and Fourth Avenues. Activities are geared toward children 12 and under and feature stamp art, newspaper art and face painting. Other features include entertainment by various community groups, a balloon artist and sidewalk chalk drawing.

Marshall University's Department of Art & Design has been heavily involved with this year's event. Dr. Maribea Barnes, assistant professor of art and design, and several art education majors have designed and prepared many of the art projects, which are geared specifically toward elementary and pre-school age children.

"I'm so pleased our students are involved in this community project," Barnes said. "The event allows them to interact with children in an environment that provides invaluable experience as they work toward their teaching degrees in art."

Marshall University students, staff and faculty are volunteering for the community event, which is organized by the Chamber's Downtown Live committee. Downtown Live works to plan and execute downtown events to encourage traffic for downtown retail and restaurant businesses.

For more information on Marshall's involvement with the event contact Leah Clark Payne, Media Communications Specialist, at 304-696-6397.