TAUNY in Canton offering three children's workshops

CANTON — The TAUNY Center on Main Street will host three free upcoming Nancy Wilder Palmateer Memorial Children’s Workshops for early 2023.

These workshops are made possible by the Nancy Wilder Palmateer Memorial Fund. This fund was established by the Palmateer and Wilder families in 2015 to honor the creative side of Nancy Wilder Palmateer, to recognize her work with children, and to encourage hands-on engagement for young people.

Winter Clay Sculptures with Sara Lynch will be Saturday, Jan. 14, from 2-4 p.m. at The TAUNY Center.

Kids are invited to come make a snow person or creature with local artist Sara Lynch.

Children under 5 will need an adult to assist them. Registration is encouraged to reserve a place in the workshop, but drop-in participants are welcome if space is available.

This workshop is free of charge.

Polymer Clay Pendants with Cassie Helman will be held Saturday, Jan. 21 from 2-4 p.m. at The TAUNY Center.

Polymer clay is an easy, kid-friendly introduction to pottery that does not require access to a kiln. In this workshop, kids will use polymer clay to create nature-themed pendants or ornaments. Their creations will be baked in a toaster oven to be taken home that day.

This workshop is best for kids 6 and older. Registration is encouraged to reserve a place in the workshop, but drop-in participants are welcome if space is available.

This workshop is free of charge thanks to the generous support of the Nancy Wilder Palmateer Foundation.

Building a Lap Dulcimer with Dan Duggan and Cassie Helman is a free three-day workshop scheduled for Feb. 11 and 18 from 2-5 p.m. and Feb. 22 from 3-4 p.m.

Dulcimers will be assembled from kits. The instrument bodies are made from sturdy cardboard, and the necks are wooden. Participants will paint the bodies, assemble them, glue the necks, and install the tuning machines. On the first day of the workshop, TAUNY staff artist Cassie Helman will help students to decorate the dulcimer bodies. On the second day, Duggan will guide them through building the instruments. On the last day, Duggan will teach them how to play their instruments.

Registration is required. The workshop and materials are free, but participants are asked to commit to all three days of the workshop. All workshop days take place at The TAUNY Center. This workshop is intended for children ages 10 and up.