Free Workshops for Children and Teens Led by Top Authors and Illustrators During 15th Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 18
Gaithersburg, Md. – April 23, 2024 – Children of all ages can explore their literary creativity through writing, song and drawing on Saturday, May 18, during the 15th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival. A full day of free workshops will be led by some of today’s top authors and illustrators.
The children’s workshops, which are 55 minutes long and designed for ages Kindergarten through 5th grade unless otherwise noted, include:
Writing Pictures: Poems About Photos – 10 a.m.
Join us in reading and writing short poems written from photographs. In this workshop, led by Heidi Mordhorst, kids will learn about the practice of “ekphrasis” (a vivid description of a work of art) and work collaboratively to compose a poem based on a photo, choosing words carefully for their music. Participants will then choose a photo image and compose their own poems. The workshop will close with an opportunity for those inclined to share their poems.
Writing, Book-Making and Collage Art Fusion – 11 a.m.
Join Jennifer-NeToi Claiborne for an hour of poetic exploration, where words, book-making and collage art converge into a blend of expression and craftsmanship. Explore two charming bookbinding methods that effortlessly transform simple materials into a handmade book. Depart with your unique creation – a poetry-infused, artistically adorned book, a testament to the fusion of creativity within you.
MISTER G: From Song to Story – Noon
Latin Grammy Award-winning artist, author and educator, Ben Gundersheimer (MISTER G), will lead an interactive, bilingual family workshop to share his secrets for transforming songs into stories. MISTER G will be reading from his books, “Señorita Mariposa,” “We’ll Make Things Better Together” and “How Many Squirrels Are in the World?” and, joined by MISSUS G (Katherine Jamieson), performing the original songs that inspired them. Come ready to sing and dance!
Build-A-Story Workshop! – 1 p.m.
This workshop for ages 12-16 will help young writers build three essential elements of a story: the hero (protagonist), the villain (antagonist) and the conflict. In a series of fun, interactive and sometimes random creative exercises, Suzanne Zweizig will lead students through brainstorming different story choices, trying on pairings, and mixing-and-matching story elements to come up with the structure for a unique story they themselves can write. In the process, students will be introduced to different types of story structures and conflicts, and have a lot of creative fun. All students will leave the workshop with at least one rough story outline and ideas for developing it on their own.
Animal Riddle Artworks and Poetry – 2 p.m.
Come out and create animal riddle artwork and “I” poems. Working with Jennifer Klein, kids will read and discuss some animal riddle poems, then design a mini-artwork and write their own riddle poem using words that paint pictures. Illustration tips for creating an up-close artwork will be shared, then we’ll see if we can guess each other’s animals!
Mythical Creatures on Road Trips! – 3 p.m.
Create a new mythical creature, a cryptid, something funky, weird, creepy and maybe even friendly, with Hildie S. Block! Our new friend will have a problem, and have to go on a trip to learn to deal with it. Come to this workshop and create your creature, give it a problem and map out where it has to go. So many stories at the festival – now it’s your turn to tell one!
Magic Forest Journal – 4 p.m.
Create along with Courtney Pippin-Mathur as she shows you how to let your creativity roam through different painting techniques that you can use to start creating your own art journals. No art experience or technique required, just join in for a relaxing art session (that could inspire new story ideas!)
The workshops will be held during the Festival in the Children’s Workshops Pavilion in the Children’s Village. No pre-registration is required for these free workshops.
For more information about children’s and teens workshops, the presenters and the schedule, including additional workshops geared for adults and older teens, please visit the Workshop pages of the GBF website.
About the Gaithersburg Book Festival
The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an annual all-day celebration of books, writers and literary excellence, which is celebrating 15 years in 2024. One of the premier literary events in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the 2024 Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm (506 S. Frederick Ave.) in Gaithersburg, Md. Activities will include author appearances, discussions and book signings; writing workshops; a Children’s Village; onsite sales of new and used books; literary exhibitors and food, drink, ice cream and more. Admission and shuttles from Shady Grove Metro and Montgomery County Fairgrounds are FREE. The Gaithersburg Book Festival also hosts author events in Montgomery County throughout the year as a way to encourage continued appreciation for all things literary. For more information please visit www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org, follow us on X @GburgBookFest or like us on Facebook.