On April 29th, Second State Press and DVAA have partnered with Port Richmond–based printmaker, Alice Thompson, to offer a pair of events that blend art, science, and the outdoors: Make a Kite – Fly a Kite! Alice is a member of Second State Press and founder of Kite Curiosities, a small business that designs hand-crafted kites, and leads educational workshops in the greater Philadelphia area.

This day of kites kicks off with a morning workshop at Second State Press (1400 N American Street, Philadelphia PA 19122) from 11am to 12:30pm. Workshop participants will screen print designs on their paper kite sails, with skilled assistance from Second State Press artists. They will assemble their own bamboo kite based on a traditional Vietnamese kite form. Alice will guide them through the process of bending and attaching bamboo kite spars, and tying on the bridle string and flying line.

After a break for lunch and travel time, workshop participants and the broader community are invited to gather together to fly kites at Penn Treaty Park! From 2pm to 4pm, Alice will assist kite flyers, helping them adjust their bridle strings to catch the wind and soar, or repairing damaged kites to get them back in the air. Bringing your own kite to this event is welcome and encouraged. Additional kites will be available for people who don't have their own. DVAA will provide snacks and drinks for attendees.