Beck Preparing for Parade the Circle

What would a cultural attraction like the annual Parade the Circle event be without Lakewood's stamp?

It’s still months away, but the is already preparing for the Parade the Circle event — an annual showcase of some of the best artists in Northeast Ohio.

For the past few years, the Beck Center has been represented in the Cleveland parade.

Last year, put forward one of the more popular efforts in this year's parade with its homage to 1960s psychedelic artist Peter Max.

More than 25 men, women and children represented the Beck Center with a fantastic display of some of Max's more popular works.

The season’s parade — set for June 9 — will also have a group representing the Beck.

To prepare our entry for this year's parade, Beck Center is hosting a series of Sunday workshops from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. beginning this Sunday.

According to a news releases, workshops will focus on designing fanciful head and body sculptures using recycled materials.

The Beck Center is calling for residents to get involved.

The cost to participate is $26 per person, including the parade registration fee.

For more information, contact Susan Gallagher, associate director of Visual Arts Education.

There’s more.

The Visual Arts Department is offering six new classes during the winter/spring semester.

The idea is to "engage creativity."

The classes are designed for students to learn new skills and techniques to stimulate their creative spirit.

Classes include A Zentangle Journey (an easy to learn method of creating beautiful art from repetitive patterns), Cut Paper Illustration, Color Theory Workshop, Silks and Paints Galore (no experience necessary), Upcycle: Reuse and Recreate, and Interior Design.

For more information — including instructors, dates and times — visit the Beck website.