Ian Greenwood juggles colourful plastic rings in the atrium of the Richmond Cultural Centre. As the rings fly through the air, a crowd gathers.
The professionally trained circus performer graciously accepts a picture for a fan.
The News met up with the 47year-old ex-Brit to ask him about his upcoming 90-minute workshops he will be putting on during the two-day 4th Annual Children's Festival, opening to the public Friday, Feb. 17.
"Cirque de Soleil has certainly made circus performing more visible and mainstream in Canada," said Greenwood, who makes his living plying his unique skills.
During the interactive festival, the Vancouverite will teach children, ages five to teens, theatre games such as parachute, as well as some juggling 101 and "hopefully some tight rope walking."
"I'll be teaching two workshops a day over five days," Greenwood said, adding if there's enough time he'll also show participants how to perform diabolos (two yo-yos which spin on a string).
The seasoned artist teaches regularly at the PNE's Circus West, where he teaches students, between the ages of six to 16, acrobatics and circus tricks.
"With kids there's this immediate interest in the art form even if they don't even know what it entails."
More than 400 children a day are expected to descend on the cultural centre and take part in a multitude of programs to inspire and unleash children's imaginations.
"Most children's festivals are come and see, this one is about come and do," said Melanie Burner, arts programmer for the City of Richmond.
"This festival promotes art and literacy and encourages hands on creativity. It's truly a wonderful festival where artists empower and motivate children."
Every year, since its inception, the arts festival has continued to grow and expand. This year, the Richmond Public Library hosts the Imagination Station, where children can take part in a number of activities such as balloon and lantern making, drumming lessons and art with Mister Tony. The Richmond Art Gallery also open its doors for the children.
The Richmond Museum exhibits, Edo: Arts of Japan's Last Shogun Age (1603-1868), which features an extensive collection of ancient Japanese art and artifacts.
More than 30 artists and artists/instructors from Vancouver, Richmond and one from Victoria are taking part in the festival.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie has nothing but praise for the festival.
"I've been to the festival as a spectator and the response from the kids is overwhelming," said Brodie.
"For many participants, it will introduce them to art expression, which I think is part of a complete education and expose them to something that is extremely important."
The festival opens Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richmond Cultural Centre.
For $10, children can register for an artist-led Creativity Class, which also gives them access to all the performances and drop in programs. Book early as some of the most popular classes sell out fast. For more information, visit www. richmond.ca/artscentre.
mhopkins@richmond-news.com
