Downtown to come alive with arts fest

Local artists Esther and Ali Alinejad will demonstrate the art of pottery at the Moorpark Arts Festival on Sun., May 6 at the Moorpark Civic Center, 799 Moorpark Road.

Ali Alinejad, owner and operator of the Clay Studio and Gallery in Thousand Oaks, will demonstrate how to make bowls on the potter's wheel at 11:30 a.mand 1:30, 2:30 and 4 p.m. The Alinejads will also display a selection of their completed ceramic pieces.

In addition to ceramics, the festival, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., will showcase interactive arts for children at the Civic Center, host a display of fine arts and photography, and present live musical performances.

The newly refurbished Moorpark City Library at 699 Moorpark Ave. will host activities on the Art of the Book with children's books, recitations and poetry readings.

The High Street Arts Center at 45 E. High Street will showcase performances by local bands, dance troupes, singers and musicians, including performing groups from Moorpark College.

Participating High Street businesses include Moorpark Family Resource Center and First Five Ventura County sponsoring "Oodles and Doodles of Art," an interactive event for children .

The Old Town Breakfast and Bakery will host an art exhibit and jazz performances and at 1 p.m. will feature "The Fine Art of Indulgence: Outrageous Chocolate."

The High Studio Fine Art Gallery will display "Abstract Naturalists and Images of Women," an exhibit of area artists.

Volunteers are needed to help during the festival with such tasks as escorting attendees between venues, filling balloons, assisting with check-in and monitoring art displays.

For information about the festival or to volunteer, call the city of Moorpark at (805) 517-6260.