Thousand Oaks to host third annual Arts Festival

Actress and artist Jane Seymour will return as an exhibitor at the third annual Thousand Oaks Arts Festival scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. and Sun., Sept. 16 and 17 at the Mary and Richard Carpenter Plaza Park, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Seymour served as last year's honorary celebrity chair and this year will present an exhibit of her artwork and children's books. Seymour will be present at the booth on Sunday afternoon to greet visitors and sign books.

The festival will feature more than 80 visual arts exhibitors, demonstrations and children's interactive exhibits both days. Live performances will entertain visitors from an outdoor stage.

This year's honorary celebrity chair is actor John Schneider who's starred in six TV series, including "Dukes of Hazzard" and most recently "Smallville."

"This festival is our premier event in our premier city celebrating the cultural arts which are so important to our lives," said T.O. Mayor Dennis Gillette. "This event highlights the creative work of many of our local artists. I hope everyone attends and enjoys."

New West Symphony will have an array of children's handson projects in the courtyard, along with the music van. Children's projects include creating their own instruments (string basses from coffee cans and French horns from garden hose and plastics bottles) and playing those instruments along with professional musicians from the symphony. Children are encouraged to bring their own 2 to 3-pound coffee cans or 16-ounce water bottles.

St. Patrick's Episcopal Church will introduce children to boom wackers. All children attending will learn to play their own kazoos.

Young Rembrandts and Art Trek, two local art studios, will provide hands-on children's activities in drawing and painting.

Many Mansions will be on site with bowl painting for the Bowls of Hope Project fundraiser set for Nov. 5. Attendees can choose a bowl and decorate it with paints that will be provided and then donate the bowl to the project. Proceeds from the project will benefit the Many Mansions Services Department that provides essential services to local low-income families in need.

"This two-day festival has something for every member of the family in a beautiful park setting at the Civic Arts Plaza. We are sure visitors will enjoy all of the activities planned," said event co-chair Elaine Williams.

Restaurants at The Lakes, the adjacent shopping center, will host a beer garden, wine garden, sake garden and live entertainment.

Project Playhouse, a fundraiser for HomeAid, will open its artistic playhouses to the public on Saturday at The Lakes. The suggested donation is $2.

Festival admission is free. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

For more information and a complete list of performances and activities, please visit the website at www.toartsfestival.com.