Lakewood Arts Commission expands Fiesta de la Familia plans with block printing, floral displays and a new subcommittee

Commissioners on the Lakewood Arts Commission outlined plans to broaden the arts presence at Fiesta de la Familia (Sept. 26) with interactive block-printing stations, a floral-display feature, and community competitions. The commission agreed to form a formal subcommittee to coordinate outreach, prizes and logistics.

Members reported outreach to block-printing artists and described interactive setups where attendees can try printing on small presses. A commissioner noted that several block-printing artists were receptive and that Pierce College and local printmakers could assist in preparing templates and demonstrations. "They were quite receptive," a commissioner said about the block-printing artists found at a recent event.

Commissioners discussed a floral-display idea to feature about 10 arrangements on a single display area so the public could view all entries and vote for a fan favorite; prizes and participation by businesses and colleges were discussed as ways to boost engagement. Members also raised cultural sensitivity concerns about making the floral-display a judged competition and suggested a fan-favorite format to respect diverse traditions.

The chair asked for volunteers to serve on a formal Fiesta subcommittee. Shauna Alexander volunteered her support; the group nominated Lonnie Neal, Sylvie, and Shauna as subcommittee participants to refine the community-offrenda concept, coordinate block-print demonstrators, and help plan day-of logistics.

Commissioners agreed to continue subcommittee planning at future meetings and to prepare outreach materials and sample images to show prospective participants and sponsors.