Since 2010, Kentuck Art Center has hosted a “third Saturday” art fair each month, and each featured some component of a free children’s art activity. Now, Kentuck will extend their goals of “perpetuating the arts, engaging community and empowering the artist,” to include children with their Kentuck for Kids Around the World series.

“As public funding for art education decreases and the cultural complexity of our community continues to increase, we wanted to offer the opportunities for children to learn about and make art, as well as learn about and appreciate the different cultural traditions that enrich our society,” Michaela Lewlynn, program manager for Kentuck, said. “Each month we will focus on one country and work with local artists and groups to present an authentic celebration of art and culture.”

This Saturday’s focus country is Japan, and kids will have the opportunity watch a brief karate demonstration, learn origami and learn the basic technique of Suminagashi, the ancient art of Japanese Marbling. Children will also look at Japanese clothing and books, and have questions about Japanese culture and language answered by Tamara Moriya.

Children will also receive Around the World Kentuck for Kids passports that will be stamped at each event they attend. If a child collects 10 stamps, at the end of the series, they will receive a surprise traveler’s reward.

“We looked around Tuscaloosa and wanted to make sure during this year we focused on each country in which we have a Sister City,” Lewlynn said. “Narashino, Japan, is our Sister City. Japanese culture is rich with traditional art and influences in many different aspects of our lives, and we hope to point out those influences so they are recognized.”

The event is free to attend, and is designed so that children and their parents may come and go as they please.

“Art leaves a strong impression on children, and the visuals and interactive activities are something that will stick with them,” said Schweta Gamble, executive director of Kentuck. “I am a strong believer that the arts help children learn better in every subject, so this is a perfect and fun way to teach about and engage different cultures.”

Additionally, in conjunction with Kentuck for Kids, an art fair will be held every third Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

The art fair will feature interactive arts and crafts for children, music, dance and art demonstrations and information on famous artists from each country.

“Alongside that, Kentuck features two new art exhibits in its galleries each month, and is home to six resident artists who keep open studios,” Gamble said. “Kids might be able to see blacksmith Steve Davis making beautiful creations out of glowing metal in his forge, potter Kerry Kennedy turn out a bowl in seconds on her potters wheel, or painter Lorie Lane working on her canvas.”

The community clay studio, The Clay Place, and Kentuck Gallery shop, which features handmade artwork by local and national artists, will also be open to the public during these times.

“Kentuck for Kids Around the World” series will begin Jan. 19 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Clarke building.