ARLINGTON — For more than five years, the Arlington Arts Council has offered art opportunities for kids during the annual Street Fair. This year was no exception.

Youth Engaged in Art offered several stations for children to paint pet rocks, mold clay and try their hand at abstract expressionism in the plaza next to City Hall.

In previous years, the AAC offered a single project for children to participate in, including a mural and rock paintings. This year they offered more options for children in what they expect will be an annual event.

“One of our missions is to provide quality art experiences to all ages,” said Sarah Arney of the AAC. “Our projects are meant to reach out to children and help them get creative. We also have classes at the Boys & Girls Club that members teach.”

Arney said that this year’s YEA event drew similar numbers to that of 2012.

“I think it’s pretty comparable,” she said. “Last year we had a steady stream of kids in line for face painting, and that was the same for both days this year and last year.”

Giving the children opportunities to experience a number of creative styles kept them engaged and excited.

“It was interesting because the kids made every effort to stop by every station,” said Arney. “I think that four or five stations is good. I would say it was a pretty good showing.”

The Arts Council is hosting Art in the Park from Sept. 14-15, and Arney hopes that people who enjoyed YEA will make an appearance. She also hopes that locals will attend the annual auction to support the Arts Council’s effort at educating youth.

“If they enjoyed the time there, I encourage them to come to the auction to support our efforts,” she said. The auction is set for Oct. 20 at the Medallion Hotel in Smokey Point.

For more information on the Arlington Arts Council visit www.arlingtonartscouncil.net.