'Happies' are child's play

FALLBROOK — The Fallbrook Art in Public Places Committee (AIPP) is up to something special. On November 6, students at the Mike Choate Early Education Center will have a chance to nurture their artistic, creative development.

The AIPP team will stage a workshop for the children to create various versions of the “Happies” with five activities. Direction will be provided by AIPP members and district staff. Parents are invited and encouraged to watch their children enthusiastically doing something they love.

On Saturday, November 14, from noon until 2 p.m., the art created by the children will be on display at an open house/art show at the school, 407 South Mission Road. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

To raise funds to save the “Happies,” tickets will be sold for $1 to attendees to be used to vote for their favorite choice of “Happies” art.

The winner of this People’s Choice Award will have his or her art piece displayed at the Fallbrook Art School Campus lobby and receive a gift certificate to be applied towards the cost of a class at the art school.

Fallbrook’s loveable “Happies” will be leaving Fallbrook this year unless the AIPP, a division of the nonprofit Fallbrook Center for the Arts Group, raises monies to purchase them.

The sculptures were initially installed in 2008 as part of the new AIPP Art-On-Loan program. Because the community has embraced the piece, the committee would like to make them a part of Fallbrook’s permanent public art collection.

Community contributions are getting us close to our goal, but more are needed. Donations may be made online at http://www.fallbrookartinpublicplaces.org or mailed to AIPP ‘Save the Happies,’ 103 S. Main, Fallbrook, CA 92028.

For further information, contact Mary Jo Bacik at (760) 451-9394.