Take a jazz journey up the Mississippi River. Sharpen your acting or improv skills. Learn the intricacies of theater sound and lighting. Take a painting lesson, dye a silk scarf, create art with flowers, and get the kids singing, dancing, and journaling.

You don't have to get on a plane. You don't even have to drive very far. ArtWeek in Marion takes place from April 27 through May 6.

ArtWeek, which began in Boston in 2013, was officially designated as a statewide festival in 2017. Marion's ArtWeek event will run parallel to the city's event. Both offer creative experiences that are generally hands-on and interactive.

In Marion, the majority of programs are free, and 90 percent are under $25.

"We want to offer some fun and engaging arts experiences to the community," explained organizer Jennifer Wolfe Webb of the Marion Art Center. "Plus, ArtWeek is a great way to let more people learn about the Marion Art Center, and what we do."

Although organized by the Marion Art Center in conjunction with the Boston-based event, ArtWeek in Marion will include a variety of events by other groups and individuals.

Architect Anthi Frangiadis is planning a live painting demonstration with Bobbi Heath, a workshop with a lighting designer about properly lighting your home and art, and a painting workshop. Details are available at https://anthifrangiadis.com/pages/events.

The Elizabeth Taber Library will offer yet-to-be-determined programming, Wolfe Webb explained. The Marion Council on Aging plans to offer an exhibit of art by seniors, and possibly a workshop taught by nonagenarian artist Mary Ross.

Many of the performers, artists, and workshop instructors are from Marion and the tri-town, which organizers say showcases "the creative richness of the region."

Organizing ArtWeek has also brought about a creative flurry at the Marion Art Center. "It's certainly inspired some ideas for the future," Wolfe Webb said. "We're still working out the specifics, but we look forward to announcing them in the coming months."

For more details about ArtWeek events, visit www.marionartcenter.org/artweek.

Music

Jazz Jam at the MAC: Friday, April 27, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

($12 per person)

Sit in on an authentic New-Orleans-style jam session with musicians Phil Sanborn, Matt Richard, David Zinno, and Gary Johnson—bring an instrument or just listen and enjoy.

Dixie Diehards Concert: Saturday, April 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

($15 per person)

Take a jazz journey up the Mississippi River with the Dixie Diehards in their 11th appearance at the Art Center.

Open Music Lesson and Recital: Saturday, May 5, 4-5 p.m.

(Free)

Support budding local musicians and join in the learning in an interactive family concert.

Soundscapes at the MAC: Sunday, May 6, 7-9 p.m.

($12 per person)

Musicians Putnam Murdock, Barry Gross, and Colin Bradley will offer a musical journey, creating soundscapes on the stage.

Theater

Tea at Marion’s Romantic Art Colony: Sunday, April 29, 2-4 p.m.

($5 per person)

Meet the members of the art colony from Marion’s “Golden Age” in a short theatrical sketch, then join the actors in character for tea and conversation.

Community Theater Audition Workshop: Sunday, April 29, 7-9 p.m.

(Free)

Sharpen audition skills, including preparation and follow up, and improve audition performance in monologues, cold reads, and prepared scenes.

Improvisation and Theater Games for the Performer: Monday, April 30, 7-9 p.m.

(Free)

Learn a series of high-energy, fun improvisation exercises and theater games to energize an acting performance.

Character Development Workshop for Amateur Actors: Tuesday, May 1, 7-9 p.m.(Free)

Learn how to create strong characters that engage the audience.

Community Theater Tech: Sound: Thursday, May 3, 3-5 p.m.

(Free)

Learn how to prepare sound for the stage: cue microphones, sound effects and music, and make sure the show’s sound is balanced.

Community Theater Tech: Lighting: Thursday, May 3, 7-9 p.m.

(Free)

Help create the magic of theater: learn to set up a lighting scene, hang and focus lights, run cables, and program the light board.

Visual Arts and Crafts

Acrylic Painting for Beginners: Wednesday, May 2, 7-9 p.m.

($25 per person)

Learn to paint with water-based acrylics in this workshop, and take home the resulting painting.

Dyeing to Wear It: Thursday, May 3, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

($35 per person)

Talk about a statement scarf—learn dyeing techniques and dye your own silk scarf. All materials are included, as well as a lesson on how to wear the scarf.

Taking Better Photos with Your Smartphone: Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

($15 per person)

Learn how focus, exposure and composition can create stronger images, and then practice knowledge of those techniques outdoors.

Creating with Flowers: Saturday, May 5, 2-4:30 p.m.

($15 per person)

Transform an ordinary flower arrangement into a creative statement, while learning how to source flowers and greens. Then, take your arrangement home with you!

Events for Children and Families

Creative Movement for Kids: Friday, April 27, 4-5 p.m.

(Free)

For children ages 5-8. Stretching, creative movement, dance games, and music meditation.

Create a Sea Creature Headdress: Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m.-noon

($10 per person)

For children age 7 and up. Kids will use their imagination to create a sea-creature headdress, like those used in The Lion King on Broadway.

Circle of Songs with Hugh Hanley: Saturday, April 28, 3-4 p.m.

(Free)

A sing-a-long/play-a-long concert for young children (toddlers and preschool age) and their families.

Art & Science Nature Journaling: Wednesday, May 2, 4-5 p.m.

(Free)

For middle school students: Students will experience the outdoors in a whole new way: journaling, creating pen and watercolor art, and story writing.

Event registration and more information about ArtWeek at the Marion Art Center can be found at www.marionartcenter.org/artweek or 508-535-1240. Many events are expected to sell out quickly, so organizers say that early registration is encouraged.