MIDDLETOWN — It takes children to raise a village.

Libby Capps, arts and cultural director of Middfest, sits among some of the art that will go on display Saturday in the Middletown City Building. ([name of photographer] photo) | ZOOM |

        As it prepares to transform itself into a global village for Middfest 2002, Middletown shines a spotlight on the needs and achievements of the world's children.

        Special activities this week are the first leading up to a retrospective in October on the 25 countries of Middfest since it began in 1981. The schedule includes a two-day conference and the opening of an international student art show.

        The conference, “The World's Children: Problems and Promises,” takes place Thursday and Friday. It features a talk by Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and discussions about international education models as well as the non-academic needs of children. The Cincinnati Boychoir will perform international folk songs.

        Student art from the 25 Middfest countries goes on display Saturday at the Middletown City Building.

IF YOU GO

What: Middfest International “In Celebration of Children”     When: Thursday-Saturday.     Thursday, Conference opens 4 p.m. Reception 6:30 p.m. with Cincinnati Boychoir performance; dinner and keynote address 7 p.m.. Friday, Conference breakfast and discussion 8:30-9:30 a.m.    Saturday, Art Exchange Exhibit opening activities 10:30-3 p.m.     Where: Conference - Manchester Inn; Art Exhibit, City Building. Cost: Thursday dinner $20; Friday breakfast $15.     Information: (513) 425-7707.

        “Forty-eight schools in five counties of Southwestern Ohio have each formed an art exchange partnership with a school in another country and have traded art with their partner school,” explained Ann Mort, Middfest spokeswoman.

        There's more to the art show than meets the eye. At the opening reception, geography comes to life through a “World Rap Around the Map,” the rhythms of a drum circle and a performance of dances from many cultures. The public will be invited to participate.

        Later this spring, Middfest International will launch an adopt-a-country program with public libraries in Southwest Ohio.

        “It's similar to our match program for schools,” said festival director Virginia Ritan. “Each library will select a country, and we'll provide them with bibliographies and ideas for programs.”

        This summer, Middfest International will publish a cookbook with recipes from its 25 featured countries. Organizers plan a culinary tasting event in conjunction with the cookbook's appearance.

        Middfest International began in 1981 as a way to introduce the customs and culture of countries with which the Middletown business community has ties. Three festivals spotlighted a related group of countries; most highlighted one country each.

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