Artist Carrie Christian

You want to enroll your child in a private or group creative art class, but you can’t find one that fits into your busy day.

Artist Carrie Christian offers classes for children of all ages that can be taught around your schedule!

Lessons are designed to help create a foundation on which your child’s artistic education will grow and blossom.

New and familiar artists will be used as examples for students to consider while creating drawings, paintings, sculptures, and mixed media projects.

Basic concepts such as color, composition, perspective, and proportion will be explained in a clear, easy to understand manner.

Students will work with a variety of materials, including colored pencils, oil pastels, acrylic, watercolor, and collage.

And your kids will be learning from a pro. Carrie Christian received her MFA in Painting and her BFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, and are included among the collections of both the Mobile Museum of Art and the Ogden Museum.

She’s also experienced in Savannah Arts Academy portfolio preparation.

Carrie Christian's studio

For more information, parent references, and pricing, please contact: Carrie Christian, T:912.323.0123
Email: carrieachristian@hotmail.com

Let the music begin in 2010!

Make a Joyful Noise is offering two free previews of music classes:

1. All 8 – 15 year olds are invited to join the Sounds of Praise Children’s Choir for an open rehearsal this Thurs. Jan. 7. The choir performs locally for hospitals and nursing homes, and most recently, the Ronald McDonald House. Concerts are scheduled wherever the choir can sing and lift hearts with the joy of music. The rehearsal (free and open to all interested 8 -15 year olds) is January 7 from 6:30 -7:45. If you can not make it, contact Vicki at MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net or 912-920-6542 for further details on joining for the spring semeser.

2. Early Childhood Music (Babies – 8 year olds) parent-and-me classes: Sat., Jan. 16 at 9:30 a.m. Come sing, dance, play instruments and more as Vicki leads you through activities to encourage you and your family to Make A Joyful Noise. Come for the fun, stay for the education.

All classes are held on the campus of Savannah Country Day School in Modular Village: E2. Email Vicki to sign up for either free preview at MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net or call 912-920-6542.

Opportunities to Make a Joyful Noise include:
Sounds of Praise Children’s Choir: 8 – 14 year olds
Group Keyboard: 7 – 9 year olds
Music Makers: 4 – 8 year olds
All Together Now: Babies – 5 year olds
Cycles: 3 – 5 year olds
Family Music: 18months – 3 years
Babies: Newborn – 17 months

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus is coming to Savannah Civic Center Jan. 21-24

This week SouthernMamas is giving away a family four-pack of tickets to one lucky reader!

Here are the rules on to win free tickets toRingling Bros’ Illuscination, a fantasy-filled world where thrills, wonderment, and unbelievable magic intersect with the outlandish fun of the circus..

Purchase tickets by clicking here or at Savannah Civic Center Box Office, Lester’s Florist, Savannah Mall Customer Service Booth or by phone at 800-351-7469 or 912-651-6556.

Tickets are $15 & $17 with a limited number of $28 VIP seats and $35 VIP Floor Seats also available.

Ringling Bros. Presents Illuscination invites you on a mystifying adventure as Illuscinator David DaVinci bridges the believable world in which we live, to the seemingly impossible one of the circus.

David entertains audiences with eye-popping illusions, mind boggling transformations, and unique up-close magic. This modern Houdini even attempts to escape a straightjacket while suspended three stories in the air over a den of lions.

In an intimate setting, where the action takes place just feet away from your seat, audience members’ eyes will witness astonishing acrobats, awesome aerialists, and amazing animals, including majestic Asian elephants, a pride of lionesses, horses, ponies, and even a rare white lion.

Ringling Bros. starts the excitement early with a FREE All Access Pre-show, which begins one hour before the show. The audience will have a chance to go onto the arena floor, try on costumes, walk the low wire and meet many of the show’s performers.

Performance Schedule
Thurs., Jan. 21 7 PM
Fri., Jan. 22 7 PM
Sat., Jan. 23 11 AM, 3 PM & 7 PM
Sun., Jan. 24 1 PM

Putting together a fun-filled fest for a troupe of toddlers with high expectations can feel like a tall order for any mom.

Let the team at Angela Beasley’s Puppet People take care of the entertainment. The beloved professionals perform puppet shows, Disney-like face painting or glitter tattoos, and “Mom & Me” puppet making workshops and hat making at the Puppet People Party Place or at any local venue of your choosing.

Parties at the Puppet People Party Place usually involve two hours of organized fun on a fantasy-filled puppet factory. Off-site shows are 30 minutes. Favorite theme parties include Prince/Princess or Mad Hatter Tea Party.

The 1,000-square foot Party Place is complete with a sound system so you can plug in your iPod or bring your own CDs. The party can be extended the backyard, canopied with pecan trees and Spanish moss. You just select a party theme and puppet show from Puppet People’s family-friendly parties section.

An on-site party includes a party host to tend to every need; an interactive studio; music, games and bouncing balls; puppet-making – each guest leaves with their own puppet; tableware.

Anyone who’s seen Puppet People at Savannah events knows these playful puppets deliver! Not surprisingly, Puppet People was named the 2009 Family Choice Award for Best Children’s Birthday Party by Coastal Family Magazine.

Sometimes it pays to go with the professionals.

The Puppet People Party Place is at 3119 Furber Ave. Book your party by calling 912.355.3366 or email puppets@puppetpeople.com. Click here for more info.

“Joy to the World” will be one of the tunes playing in your head after enjoying Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

It’s just one of the Motown hits featured in the ocean adventure of the clownfish Nemo, playing this weekend at Savannah Civic Center . Remaining shows are:
Sat. Nov 7 @ 11 AM
Sat. Nov 7 @ 3 PM
Sat. Nov 7 @ 7 PM
Sun. Nov 8 @ 2 PM

The show is well-worth braving all those trinket and cotton-candy concession stands, with beg-your-parents-for $15 Nemo hats. But kids quickly lose interest in the goodies once the fish on skates hit the ice.

The production includes all your child’s favorite characters, ever-forgetful Dory, Bruce the shark, the overprotective Marlin, “super-dude” turtle Crush and Nigel the pelican.

Beware, though, there are a few, small fireworks in the first half of the roughly 90-minute show, which temporarily upset a few kids near my family. We saw the show courtesy of Feld Entertainment, the Disney on Ice promoters which provided the recent ticket giveaways on SouthernMamas.

Tickets are available @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469.

Eliza Brooks! Eliza wins a family four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, which will be playing at Savannah Civic Center November 5-8!

Thanks to everyone who entered to win by sharing fun child’s birthday party tips. Check out the tips in the comments section below the giveaway annoucement post and on our Facebook page here. Be sure to become a fan of SouthernMamas on Facebook while there.

Join the ocean-sized adventure of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory as Disney On Ice immerses you in a vibrant aquatic world in Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Follow alongside Marlin and Dory on a daring search of the big blue. Ride the current with “super-dude” turtle Crush and make waves with Nemo’s new friends – the Tank Gang – as they plot an escape from the dentist’s aquarium in this whale of a tale full of laughter and fun!

Tickets are on sale now @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469

This week a very lucky SouthernMamas reader will win a family four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, which will be playing at Savannah Civic Center November 5-8!

Check out the rules below to enter to win:

Join the ocean-sized adventure of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory as Disney On Ice immerses you in a vibrant aquatic world in Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Follow alongside Marlin and Dory on a daring search of the big blue. Ride the current with “super-dude” turtle Crush and make waves with Nemo’s new friends – the Tank Gang – as they plot an escape from the dentist’s aquarium in this whale of a tale full of laughter and fun!

Tickets are on sale now. For those who can’t wait for the giveway, tickets are available @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469

Learning to play a musical instrument can bring great joy and endless hours of pleasure to a child, but research shows its benefits go far beyond the enjoyment factor.

Musical instruction instills in students the habits of mind that last a lifetime: critical analysis skills, the ability to solve problems and deal with ambiguity, perseverance and the drive for excellence. In short, skills for a classroom and for a lifetime.

Kelly Burke of Burke Music Studio in Savannah has been developing those skills among young people in Savannah for over 25 years as both a violin and piano teacher and a private school administrator.

“I had wonderful teachers who understood the importance of combining classical training with lots of opportunities for playing fun, popular music that I recognized and loved,” says Kelly. She uses this same approach with her students to keep them motivated and develop self confidence. Whether dressing up in costumes for a Halloween Master class or playing Christmas songs in a candlelight recital in Bethesda’s Chapel, students have many opportunities to perform, have fun and form friendships with other student/musicians.

Kelly enjoys teaching girls and boys, but as a long-time principal of boys’ schools, she has a special appreciation for working with young men. “It can be difficult to find a teacher who understands boys’ unique attributes and channel that into good music-making.”

In addition to teaching school-age boys and girls, Kelly often works with teenagers, particularly those who are currently attending or are interested in attending a magnet academy. Many of her seniors prepare a recording of their playing to include with their college applications, even if they are not pursuing a degree in music. “Giving evidence of the ability to play a musical instrument demonstrates to college admissions offices that a student has self-discipline, motivation, and a creative nature. This sets their application apart.”

To get your child started on the road to the many benefits of musical instruction visit Burke Music Studio by clicking here or call 912.398.7280.

Playhouse Disney Live! has two shows at the Savannah Civic Center this Sunday, Oct. 4, 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM.

You can win a family-four pack of tickets to the show and blast off to adventure with the Little Einsteins and all your child’s  favorite Playhouse Disney friends from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger & Pooh, and Handy Manny.

Because the show is Sunday, there isn’t enough time to get the tickets to the winner. So the show’s promo folks will leave the winner’s name at the will-call at the Savannah Civic ticket office. If that’s cutting it a little close for you, this might not be the giveaway for you. However, if you’re OK with that, then read on…

Check out the rules below to enter to win:

 Join the fun with Handy Manny his Tools, and your child’s favorites from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger & Pooh, and Little Einsteins. Playhouse Disney Live! tickets range from $14-$40. To order tickets: 912- 651-6556 or click here

Debbie Barrett wins a family four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, which will be playing at Savannah Civic Center November 5-8!

(The contest required readers to share tips to make children’s bedtimes sweet and successful. If y’all haven’t read the wonderful comments from our readers regarding children’s bedtime rituals, please do so by clicking here then click on comments below the post. The bedtime tips are priceless. What great parents y’all are!)

Join the ocean-sized adventure of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory as Disney On Ice immerses you in a vibrant aquatic world in Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Follow alongside Marlin and Dory on a daring search of the big blue. Ride the current with “super-dude” turtle Crush and make waves with Nemo’s new friends – the Tank Gang – as they plot an escape from the dentist’s aquarium in this whale of a tale full of laughter and fun!

Tickets are on sale now and are available @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469

By Ashley Waldvogel

You gotta appreciate moms who manage to create art while also dealing with the daily challenges of raising their young children.

Four Savannah artist-mothers – Ashley Waldvogel, Melinda Schawel, Linette Dubois and Atsuko Smith – are doing just that, balancing creativity and domesticity. This month, the moms will show their work in an exhibit called “Four Squared” at the University of North Florida Gallery of Art in Jacksonville.

Each of the four artists brings their own account of the themes of motherhood and the bonds between mother and child into their own work.

This exhibit would make a worthwhile roadtrip for moms groups interested in seeing artwork that explores all aspects of motherhood, such as the chaos of trying to be a mother while making sure everyone is taken care of or the joy of a child’s laugh.

The exhibit runs Sept. 14-Oct. 16 at the UNF Gallery of Art with an Artist’s Reception 5-7 PM Fri. Sept. 18. The newly renovated UNF Gallery is in Founders Hall, Building Two, 1 UNF Drive in Jacksonville. The gallery hours are: 10-4 M-F.

All events are free and open to the public. $3 for parking.

Learn more about the moms behind Four Squared by clicking here.

This week a very lucky SouthernMamas reader will win a family four-pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, which will be playing at Savannah Civic Center November 5-8!

Check out the rules below to enter to win:

Join the ocean-sized adventure of the curious clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory as Disney On Ice immerses you in a vibrant aquatic world in Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Follow alongside Marlin and Dory on a daring search of the big blue. Ride the current with “super-dude” turtle Crush and make waves with Nemo’s new friends – the Tank Gang – as they plot an escape from the dentist’s aquarium in this whale of a tale full of laughter and fun!

Tickets are on sale now. For those who can’t wait for the giveway, tickets are available @ etix.com OR 1-800-351-7469

Elmo is trying to help families navigate some tough times.

Producers of “Sesame Street” are producing a prime-time special to help parents and young children deal with economic hardship. The special will be aimed at families with children aged 2 to 8. It will air on PBS stations on Sept. 9.

Elmo is joined by Al Roker and Deborah Roberts on the special.

It’s directed at both parents and kids in families where someone is dealing with a job loss or the income is much less than it was.

Amie Huse!

Amie’s child wins free tuition to a kids’ sculpture class for children 4 and older. Value is $50.

The class is @ Tiffany Drabek Studio 215 E. 64th St. in Savannah. Here are the details if you want to sign up your child:
Just For Kids Clay Workshop: July 27-30
Kids 4 and up will learn hand building techniques as they create beautiful sculptures. They will paint
their masterpieces in brilliant underglaze colors.  Mon.-Thurs. from 9:30-10:30 AM

Tiffany Drabek also offers other kids summer classes and camps including pottery.

To sign up, contact Tiffany Drabek (912) 692-0659 or tiffanydrabek @gmail.com.

The Savannah Children’s Choir will present a free, End-of-Camp concert 7 PM Fri. July 31 in the Jelks Auditorium at Savannah Country Day School.  The concert is free and open to the public.

The event is the culmination of a two-week Summer Choral Camp program, now in its fourth year. This year’s theme is “Rhythm”, and daily classes in music history, sight singing, composition  and percussion reinforced the campers’ abilities to read and understand rhythmic concepts in music.

Camp instructors include interns from top music educational colleges such as Florida State and the University of Georgia along with professionals in the field, assisted by local high school interns. 

The concert will feature music the children have learned and will also debut music some of the kids have composed, performed by professional artists. For more info, click here or call 912. 228.4758.

This week, a lucky SouthernMamas subscriber will win free tuition to a kids’ sculpture class for children 4 and older that will meet July 27-30. Value is $50.

The class is @ Tiffany Drabek Studio 215 E. 64th St. in Savannah. Here are the details:
Just For Kids Clay Workshop: July 27-30
Kids 4 and up will learn hand building techniques as they create beautiful sculptures. They will paint
their masterpieces in brilliant underglaze colors. The class will meet Mon.-Thurs. from 9:30-10:30 AM
All the winner’s costs are covered including materials.

Tiffany Drabek also offers other kids summer classes and camps including pottery. That “Kids on the Wheel” class is Aug. 10-13 It’s an introductory workshop for kids 8 and up to pottery making on the wheel. This may include one day of hand building.

Kids will learn how to center the clay on the wheel and make plates and bowls. They will also paint their work in underglazes. The class is 9-11 AM Mon-Thurs. Fee: $85, includes materials. Parents are welcome to take the class with their children if they desire.

To sign up, contact Tiffany Drabek (912) 692-0659 or tiffanydrabek @gmail.com. Also available: adult classes, birthday parties and other custom workshops for special celebrations and events.

Has anyone ever attended the Savannah Fairy Find?

It sounds intriguing. Check out the Web site here.

Professor Primrose’s Guide to Finding Fairies is billed as family-friendly entertainment that’s part show, part scavenger hunt. It includes solving riddles and following clues to find the fairies hidden throughout downtown Savannah for prizes. Children of all ages get the opportunity to search the city of Savannah to find fairies in various shops and establishments.

The multi-media show features local artists and explains the origins and mystery of fairies and the history of the Primrose Institute – the world’s only center for the study of magical creatures. Hmmm????

The goal is to encourage exploration, problem solving, and the use of imagination.

Shows are daily at Bryson Hall – 5 E Perry St. downtown Savannah. Admission $10 per person. Call for show times: 912.631.6928 or email fairyfind@gmail.com. Tell them SouthernMamas sent you!

Show your kids how you used to watch movies in the days before anyone ever used the word “download”.

TYBEE DRIVE-IN returns for summer @ North Beach, featuring big screen and full radio broadcast sound. The First Movie is this Thursday, June 11: “BEACH BLANKET BINGO,“ Classic beach party film starring Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon.

“Economic Stimulus Package” for the whole family: $10 per vehicle, $5 per person.
Pack the cooler, drive, bike or walk in. Bring the kids for a picnic and some Leopold’s ice cream, or grab a bite to eat at North Beach Grill (byo alcohol).(Free Parking for movies in North Beach Parking Lot) Pets in parking lot welcome on leashes. Don’t forget the bug spray, radio and lawn chair if you’re on foot.

Where: North Beach Parking Lot, Meddin Drive on Tybee Island
When: Gates open @ 6 PM Thurs, June 11. Show starts at “dark.“
For more info, click here or call 912-323-7727
Benefits the Tybee Post Theater.

Savannah’s “MusicAlive!” string quintet will have FREE music programs for children starting next week (June 8)  @ branches of the Live Oak Public Libraries. Children will learn about the musical genius of Johnny Mercer and his music.

The musicians will also present a segment on songwriting.

My toddler’s attended a coupleMusicAlive! performances and afterwards there’s often a string instrument “petting zoo” when children are allowed to touch the instruments.

The FREE performances are recommended for children of all ages. Here’s the schedule for the MusicAlive! events:

11 AM Mon, June 8 @ W.W. Law Branch Library
4 PM Mon., June 8 @ Oglethorpe Mall Branch Library
6 PM Mon,, June 8 @ Islands Branch Library
10:30 AM Tues., June 9 @ Port City Branch Library
1 PM Tues. June 9 @ South Effingham Branch Library
4 PM Tues. June 9 @ Kayton Branch Library
10:30 AM Wed. June 10 @ West Chatham Branch Library
2:30 PM Wed. June 10 @ Tybee Branch Library
4 PM Wed. June 10 @ Ogeechee Branch Library
10: 30 AM Thurs. June 11 @ Bull Street Branch Library
3 PM Thurs. June 11 @ Midway Branch Library
6 PM Thurs., June 11 @ Liberty Branch Library
10:30 AM Fri., June 12 @ Effingham Branch Library
3 PM Fri. June 12 @ Hitch Branch Library
5 PM Fri. June 12 @ West Chatham Branch Library

Contact your local branch for more information

This upcoming Sunday Feb. 8 is Super Museum Sunday. On this special day you can take your whole family to participating museums and historic sites FOR FREE. For a list of participating museums and venues, click here.

During Super Museum Sunday, The Coastal Heritage Society will offer FREE rides on its newly-completed passenger car at The Roundhouse Railroad Museum

The train rides will take place every half-hour from noon-4 pm. Admission to the museum will be free as well. The car will be hauled behind a historic diesel locomotive. Also featured are blacksmith demos as well as children’s activities including storytimes in the museum’s special kids’ cars.

The Roundhouse is across from the Savannah History Museum/Visitors Center on Louisville Road west of the intersection of MLK, Jr. Blvd. 912.651.6823.

For a details on events offered at other venues during Super Museum Sunday, check back Friday on SouthernMamas.com.

You are going to love this giveaway. Two SouthernMamas subscribers will win FOUR FREE TICKETS each to
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey.

The show is playing @ the Savannah Civic Center Nov. 5-9. Ticket sales are already under way here. The two winners will each receive four free vouchers, which can be used for one of any of the shows.

The show invites children to join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a journey into the magical worlds of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Peter Pan, and Lilo & Stitch. From Ariel’s enchanting undersea kingdom to Never Land with Peter Pan and his sassy fairy friend Tinker Bell, you child is sure to be captivated by the music, beauty and laughter in a journey so magical. You, too, may never want to go home.

To be eligible to win this giveaway, comment below on your all-time favorite Disney character or movie. Just click on comments and start writing. Be sure to comment by the 9 pm Thurs. Oct. 2. Don’t forget to tell us your name. We’ll pick a name at random and announce the winner Friday on SouthernMamas.com.

You have to be a SouthernMamas subscriber to participate. Subscribing is free. Click here to do so.

OK. Here’s our chance to spark our kids’ interest in playing a string instrument.

Savannah’s “MusicAlive!” string quintet will have classical music programs for children next month @ branches of the Live Oak Public Libraries. Children will learn about the musical genius of Amadeus Mozart and his music.

There will also be a string instrument “petting zoo” after the program when children will be allowed to touch the instruments.

The FREE performances are recommended for children of all ages. Here’s the schedule for the MusicAlive! events:

Tues., Oct. 14, 10 a.m. @ West Chatham Branch Library
Tues., Oct. 14, 4 p.m. @ Islands Branch Library
Wed., Oct. 15, 10 a.m. @ WW Law Branch Library
Wed., Oct. 15, 4 p.m. @ Oglethorpe Mall Branch Library

Call your local branch for more info. Click here for branch phone numbers and addresses. Sponsored by Live Oak Public Libraries Foundation and the Savannah Friends of Music.

Prepare to experience your first Wiggles mosh pit.

Join The Wiggles, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog as part of the new all-live concert tour sponsored by Toys R Us.

“Pop Go The Wiggles Live” takes place at 6:30 pm Nov. 18 @ the Savannah Civic Center. Tickets for the show go on sale to the general public starting at 10 am Oct. 10. Cost ranges from $18-$38. Order tickets online by clicking here or call 912.651.6556 or 800.351.7469.

Other kid-friendly shows coming to the Savannah Civic Center include:

• Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh, Live On Stage, 2 pm & 5 pm Oct. 5
• Disney on Ice: Mickey& Minnie’s Magical Journey, 7 shows Nov. 5-9

Click here for showtimes and more info.

Steve Martin also sang of King Tut: “Now if I’d known, they’d line up just to see him, I’d have taken all my money, and bought me a museum.”

Get ready to stand in line to see the exhibit “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” opening Nov. 15 in Atlanta.

The exhibit @ the Atlanta Civic Center features more than 130 treasures from the tomb of celebrated pharaoh King Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian sites at the Atlanta Civic Center. It runs through May 25.

Due to the popularity of this exhibit and the 30-minute timed entrances, tickets are on sale now. Advanced tickets ensure you can see King Tut and provide you with the “Tutlanta” affiinity card, which will get you deals at more than 75 area businesses. To see full listing of offers is available, click here.

To get your tickets or for more information, click here. Adult admission is $32.50 and children are $16.50.