Cartoons, Creating & Canines

If your list of New Year’s resolutions includes spending more time with the kids, read on. Here’s a list of family-friendly activities coming up in the month of January.

Saturday

Modern-day jester Izzy Tooinski spins tales and weightier stuff in his juggling and storytelling program at Brea’s Curtis Theatre, 1 Civic Center Circle. 1, 3 and 5 p.m. (714) 990-7722.

Jan. 11-16

Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery will construct a sand mandala in the lobby of the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Creation of the sand painting, which is believed to effect purification and the healing of mind and body, begins with a ceremony Monday at noon, continues Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., and concludes Saturday with a ceremony at 1 p.m. Free. (Cyber-savvy folks can check the mandala’s progress at www.ocnow.com.)

It’s presented in concert with “The Mystical Arts of Tibet,” a program of traditional music, songs and dance at the Irvine Barclay, 4242 Campus Drive, Jan. 15 and 16. $24-$28. (949) 854-4646.

Jan. 13

Artists ages 6 to 12 can create multimedia works using transparent layering and other methods in a four-part series titled “It’s Perfectly Clear.” Inspired by the exhibit “Rauschenberg in Transparency,” the 90-minute mixed-media art classes at the Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, meet weekly through Feb. 3. $50. Reservations, call (949) 759-1122, Ext. 204.

Jan. 15-24

There’s a whole lot of OompaLoompa going on when 100 actors from Brea’s Youth Theatre perform “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” A presentation of the city of Brea and Stagelight Family Productions, the show runs Fridays through Sundays at the Curtis Theatre, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea. $7.50-$9.50. (714) 990-7722.

Jan. 16

The Orange County Performing Arts Center continues its Saturdays at the Center for children with an 11 a.m. performance by the Cashore Marionettes in Founders Hall, followed by an optional backstage tour. $6. (714) 556-2787.

Kids and dogs go together, so you might want to stop by the Shoreline Dog Fanciers show from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Park off Arlington Drive, $3-$5. Younger than 6 admitted free. (714) 532-5559.

Jan. 21 and 27

Irvine Fine Arts Center kicks off two series for teens and preteens: Beautiful Batik and Crazy Cartoons. The sessions are among more than a dozen offered for youth by professional artists and art educators. $49-$55. Reservations required. 14321 Yale Ave., Irvine. (949) 724-6610.

Jan. 22-Feb. 6

“Annie”’ was making joyful noise with buckets and scrub brushes long before Stomp took its first step. Young actors from the Fullerton Children’s Repertory Theater show how it’s done when they stage the musical Fridays and Saturdays at the Fullerton Union High School Little Theater, Chapman Avenue and Lemon Street. $7. (714) 671-1084.

Jan. 23

“Stars of Magic,” a family-friendly variety act showcases magic from Vegas to Monte Carlo, including local wizard Dale Salwak and his 8-year-old son, Ryan. At 8 p.m. at Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. $14-$32. (714) 432-5880.

Jan. 30

Come and meet those dancin’ feet at OCC’s “Rhapsody in Taps.” The program salutes the heritage of tap dance and features a large corps of dancers and a live jazz combo. 8 p.m.$24-$27. (714) 432-5880.

Ring in the Asian New Year at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art’s (2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana) Asian New Year Family Festival. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with ethnic dancing, music, storytelling and snacks. (714) 567-3600.