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WSIU, Cedarhurst to host free event for children & families

PBS KIDS World of Possibilities Logo

Press Contacts:

Beth Spezia, Field Representative, WSIU; (618) 453-5595, beth.spezia@wsiu.org; Jennifer Sarver, Education Director, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts; (618) 242-1236, jennifer@cedarhurst.org

Photos available here.

Carbondale, Ill. -- WSIU Public Broadcasting, the public media arm of Southern Illinois University, and Cedarhurst Center for the Arts invite area families to our annual Family Day at Cedarhurst. This year’s event, “PBS KIDS: A World of Possibilities,” will focus on music, creativity, and an appreciation for the natural world. The event is made possible with support from SSM Health’s Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, The YMCA of Jefferson County, General Dynamics, SIU Credit Union, AISIN Manufacturing Illinois, and the Mt. Vernon Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

The event will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, April 30 from 1-3pm at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, located at 2600 Richview Road in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Free parking will be available at Cedarhurst and at Spero Family Services, located at 2023 Richview Road.

Guests will enjoy a performance from The Henson-Kim Duo comprised of Jonathan Henson, a violinist and Jace Kim, a conductor, pianist, and violist, both from the SIU School of Music. The event will also feature socially distanced photo opportunities with costume characters Splash and Bubbles from the PBS KIDS series of the same name. Other activities include making watercolor diffusion art with assistance from the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, an interactive bubble blowing activity with The Bubble Bus, shaved ice treats and more. All families will receive a free children's book after completing an I-Spy activity sheet. Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras to take photos and share them online using #WSIUEvents.

“WSIU's unique programming presents a world of possibilities to families across the region. Respect for the natural environment and conservation of water are shared values that we bring to life through PBS KIDS programs such as Splash and Bubbles and via this celebration with Cedarhurst each spring,” shares Beth Spezia, Field Representative for WSIU. “Eagerly anticipated by many children near and far, Family Day is designed with opportunities to experience music, art, reading, and much more. With help from sponsors and volunteers, families can have a great time while exploring the fun in learning together,” she adds.

Since 2011, Cedarhurst has partnered with WSIU to host WSIU Family Day because both organizations believe in the importance of being an educational resource to families in our region. The annual Family Day event allows guests an opportunity to discover and celebrate programming from both groups.

“Cedarhurst’s mission is to generate awareness, participation and enjoyment in the arts and this annual event perfectly encapsulates that mission! Cedarhurst is honored to partner with an exemplary organization like PBS/ WSIU,” says Sarah Sledge, Communications Director for Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. “Some of our participants have never been to the museum, so this event presents a chance for guests to explore the Beck Family Education Center, galleries, and sculpture park. It is always exciting to see people discovering Cedarhurst for the first time!” she adds.

“WSIU is thrilled to partner with Cedarhurst for this event. It's a celebration of our ability to provide the very finest educational programming in the region,” says Dr. Fred Martino, WSIU Executive Director. “I personally want to thank everyone who donates to WSIU to strengthen the children's programming service, including our 24/7 PBS KIDS channel,” he adds.

For more information, contact Beth Spezia at (618) 453-5595, beth.spezia@wsiu.org, or Jennifer Sarver at Cedarhurst at (618) 242-1236, jennifer@cedarhurst.org. Additional details and updates can be found online at wsiu.org/familyday.

About WSIU Public Broadcasting

WSIU Public Broadcasting is licensed to the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University and is an integral part of the College of Arts and Media on the Carbondale campus. The WSIU stations reach more than three million people across five states and beyond through six digital public television channels, three public radio stations, a radio information service, a website, and an education and community outreach department.

WSIU's mission is to improve the quality of life of the people they serve. The WSIU stations partner with other community organizations to promote positive change and to support the academic and public service missions of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Learn more and get the latest station news online at wsiu.org and on WSIU's Facebook and Twitter pages.

WSIU's programs and services are partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

About Cedarhurst Center for the Arts

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, located at 2600 Richview Road in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 1-5pm. For more information about Cedarhurst, visit www.cedarhurst.org or call (618) 242-1236. Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is an activity of the John R. and Eleanor R. Mitchell Foundation.

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WSIU Public Broadcasting is an NPR, PBS member-station located in Carbondale, IL at Southern Illinois University. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email us at wsiuradio@wsiu.org.
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