Art surrounds us everywhere in Santa Clarita! I’m spoiled by having the opportunity to view the rotating art exhibits in the First Floor Gallery at City Hall, but I also enjoy taking my wife and kids to walk through the Santa Clarita Public Library Branches, The MAIN and Community Centers across the City to embrace the new art exhibits open to the public. As the days stay brighter for longer and feel a bit warmer, it’s easy to feel that spring is in the air, and if you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly event that celebrates art and the spring season, then allow me to cordially invite you to the first-ever Art Hop. Creativity and the spirit of spring will come into full bloom on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at William S. Hart Park (24151 Newhall Ave). This immersive spring festival will feature a community hike, youth art exhibit, live student performances, hands-on art activities, an egg scramble for children 10 years and younger and food trucks. It’s the perfect way to spend a beautiful Saturday with the entire family.
Art Hop combines two beloved City events—Eggstravaganza and the Youth Arts Showcase—bringing favorite elements from both together in one egg-citing celebration. The event is free, but this year, advance registration is required for the Timed Egg Scramble. The Egg Scramble will take place throughout the event with designated time frames for each age group, giving all the children a fair opportunity to find eggs within their 30-minute search period. So, hop on over and see how many bright and colorful eggs your little one can collect.
The Art Hop festivities kick off with a guided family-friendly Community Hike starting at the nature trailhead near the Ranch House. This walk is approximately one mile and leads toward the Hart Mansion and campgrounds, with engaging stops along the way. Hikers will pass the Bunk House, help paint a community art mural, spot American bison and enjoy scenic valley views before continuing through the campgrounds and the SCV History Center.
Enjoy all the park has to offer: run, hop and race your way through the Spring Play Zone, a lively area packed with classic outdoor games for kids and families. The Spring Play Zone will feature favorites like egg-and-spoon races, sack hops and hopscotch. This space invites everyone to jump in, cheer each other on and enjoy the spirit of spring.
In years past, the Youth Arts Showcase provided young artists with an opportunity to share their passion, creativity and hard work with the community. This year, that same spirit of self-expression comes to life at Art Hop through the Youth Art Exhibit. The theme this year is “The World Needs Art,” and the gallery located in Hart Hall will feature original artwork submitted for judging in the Youth Art Contest earlier this year. Each selected piece was created by local public, private and homeschooled students in grades TK–12 within the City of Santa Clarita in celebration of Youth Art Month. Congratulations to these incredibly talented students. If you miss their masterpieces at Art Hop, all artwork will be displayed afterward at the Old Town Newhall Library Branch (24500 Main St) for the entire community to enjoy throughout the spring from Monday, March 30, through Wednesday, May 27.
If you’re scouting the immense talent we have here in Santa Clarita, be sure to visit the Performing Arts Stage. Live performances by local youth musicians, dancers and performing arts groups will be scheduled throughout the day, so you won’t miss a thing while exploring all the festival has to offer. And for those who prefer a hands-on approach, a variety of free, drop-in art activities will be available for families to create together and let their inner artists shine.
Whether you’re hoping to meet the next generation of Picassos, have a little one ready for the egg scramble or simply want to enjoy the beautiful weather and vibrant colors of spring in Santa Clarita, the first-ever Art Hop truly has something for everyone. I’m excited to see you there.
For more information about the Art Hop and the Youth Art Exhibit, please visit SantaClarita.gov/ArtHop. Councilmember Jason Gibbs is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at jgibbs@santaclarita.gov
