Detroit, June 29, 2009: For three Saturdays this summer, there’s no need to go indoors to experience two of Detroit’s most popular cultural attractions. On July 11, August 8 and September 12, 2009, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) joins the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy to offer free art-making, music, and other family-friendly activities on Detroit’s waterfront. 

DIA Studio staff will be on hand with all the materials and assistance needed for people to make their own musical instruments at drop-in workshops. In July, get creative with beads, wire, leather and markers to create whimsical wrist and ankle rattles. Make a simple version of the West African kalimba, a percussion instrument, in August.

In addition to the art-making workshops, Second Saturdays on the Riverfront will feature concerts presented by the DSO, airbrush and clown balloon artists and the Marshall Music Instrument Petting Zoo (July and August only).

Activities take place at Rivard Plaza, 1340 E. Atwater Street in Detroit. For more information on Second Saturdays on the Riverfront, visit detroitriverfront.org. For information on the DIA and a schedule of exhibitions and activities, visit dia.org.