Totally Texas -- Art, books, causes and kids

It’s one of those weekend when I wish I could clone myself. Fortunately, my favorite events are at overlapping times so, just maybe, I can make more than one of my favorite events without major help from technology.

Dallas Etsy’s Spring Handmade Bash runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27; the Dallas Public Library’s International Book Fair is noon to 5 p.m. Saturday; Dallas Big Read’s read-in honoring Fahrenheit 451 is from 4-6 p.m. Saturday; and the Nasher Sculpture Center’s Great Create is Sunday, April 28, from 1-4 p.m.

Etsy first. My daughter and I attended a previous Spring Bash, and were amazed at the range and quality of crafts on view. Offerings at this year’s bash run the gamut from accessories through art, baby and kids stuff, bags and purses, body care, clothing, housewares, paper goods, and pets. Everything is handmade -- no resale, commercial products, vintage or supplies.

This spring’s bash is at The Shops at Park Lane, 3030 Park Lane (Park Lane at Central Expressway). Considering how busy that site across from NorthPark gets on Saturdays, I’d suggest coming in from the back, on Greenville. Besides, that’s where the free parking is and the nearby Park Lane DART station.

This year’s Bash includes live music, entertainment, food, and a play area for kids. It’s free, and the first fifty shoppers also receive free goody bags. The Bash is sponsored by Etsy Dallas, which has the blessing of, but not affiliation with the online marketplace Etsy, Inc. (And keep an eye open later this year for the Spring Bash’s sister, Jingle Bash.)  For more information, see www.handmadebash.com/.

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In downtown Dallas, the Dallas Public Library‘s Central Branch, 1515 Young Street, hosts an afternoon of books, kids crafts, storytelling, and more at its 13^th annual International Book Fair from noon to 5 p.m. I’m looking at the session with Carve magazine editor discussing how to get short stories published, from 2-3 p.m. or lunch with Nancy Smith, author of Dallas International with J.R. Ewing.

Or maybe I should check out the exercise program, or the theatrical skits, or the screening of Like Water for Chocolate (17 years or older, or with parent/guardian). Or the storytelling and poetry reading or -- well, you get the idea. See
http://dallasinternationalbookfair.com/.

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Sometime in between, it’s off to Klyde Warren Park, over Woodall Rogers Freeway between St. Paul and Pearl streets, where Dallas’ Big Reads month of focus on Ray
Bradbury’s classic Fahrenheit 451 concludes with a read-in from 4-6 p.m.

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All of the above events are free. However, you will need a ticket ($75 for individuals as available, free for children age two and under) to attend Sunday’s The Great Create at the Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St. This is a family-focused fundraiser featuring workshops with arts, as well as live entertainment and kid-friendly food. Events are intended for children age 12 and younger, with teens invited to assist the artists and younger guests. Please note that the museum will be closed to the public all day Sunday for this ticketed event.  See
www.nashersculpturecenter.org/.