Is it time to breathe new life into your Mother’s Day celebration? I have some ideas for you!

In Japan, young children enter drawings of their mothers into a contest with the winners touring across the country with a celebratory exhibit. Japanese mothers receive home-cooked dishes, often dishes she initially taught her children to make along with red carnations.

In Argentina, mothers expect a trip to their favorite restaurant or destination. French mothers often receive flower bouquets or a cake decorated to resemble a bouquet.

In Thailand, public concerts and parades celebrate the day. Families in Mexico serenade mothers with the song “Las Mananitas,” often a cappella.

Here in Austin, you can celebrate with the Austin Area Commission for the Arts with music, gifts and sharing creativity.

The Austin ArtWorks Center will host our first Family Art Studio from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 13. Drop in as a family and get creative with materials provided. This is free to all ages encouraged to attend and create together. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Art Studio is funded by a grant from the Austin Area Foundation and will be held on the 2nd Saturday of the month through September.

Ian Shapinsky

The Historic Paramount Theatre is proud to present Ian Shapinsky: “Sunshine and Music”  at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 14. Treat your mom to the beauty of Ian Shapinsky’s piano mastery for Mother’s Day. Tickets are available now, $10 adult, $5 student. A limited amount of on-stage seats are available for $20. Piano students will receive a $1 discount.

Shapinsky was born in Manhattan and grew up in Long Island, New York. His distinctive style of virtuoso playing and musicianship has won him many awards, competitions, and prizes including Recitalist of the Year, the Presidential Citation from the New York Federation of Music Clubs, various prizes from the National Federation of Music Clubs, first prize from the Mannes College Concerto Competition, first prize from the Five Towns Music and Art Foundation, first prize in piano at two Miami Beach national competitions, and other many other competitions.

Gifts for mom

Find gifts for mom at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Among traditional options, we carry Costa’s chocolates from Owatonna, a variety of jewelry, scarves and purses. If your mother has enough ‘stuff’ (like mine!) consider a gift certificate for an art class or tickets to an event at the Paramount.

Or a gift membership which provides mom with benefits including free popcorn at the Paramount Theatre and discounts on classes and open studio time at the ArtWorks Center. See details at http://www.austinareaarts.org/membership/. We also have a great selection of greeting cards featuring photos and artwork by local artists.  The Austin Artworks Center is open Thursday to Friday 10 a.m. to  5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Artworks artists

Jury selection process starts soon for visual artists to be featured at the Austin ArtWorks Festival. Go to zapplication.org to learn more about exhibiting on Aug. 26 and 27 and to apply.

Paramount Theatre

Ian Shapinsky: Sunshine and Music, May 14 at 2 p.m.

Paul McCartney Tribute by Let Em In with D.C. Drifters, June 22  at 7 p.m.

ArtWorks Center

$5 Kids Studio Working with Wood,  May 13 at 10:30 a.m.

Family Art Studio, May 13 at 1 to 3 p.m.

Gallery Opening: Dan Tran and Dirk Nelson, May 19 at 5 to 7 p.m.

ArtRocks Jam Session, May 26 at 7 p.m. [Last jam of the season, resuming in September}.

Find out more at www.austinareaarts.org