The fifth annual Earth Friendly Holiday Event is coming up next week at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre next to city hall.
“For the Cariboo Conservation Society, this is one of our busiest and most cherished conservation events, and we look forward to it every year,” says Brianna van de Wijngaard, the community’s water and waste wise liaison.
Knowing that earth-friendly crafting can take more time to prepare for than store-bought décor, she says conservation society staff begin acquiring materials for the event months ago, everything from cedar boughs to mountain ash berries to bike rims for making holiday wreaths.
“January to November, we keep our eyes peeled for new earth materials we can use to craft beautiful holiday pieces,” van de Wijngaard says.
“It’s a lot of work, but we love it: envisioning bits of the forest come together to create a unique and peaceful holiday environment that’s different every time.”
The conservation society partners with helpers from the Scout Island Nature Centre, Community Arts Council of Williams Lake and X’atsull First Nation to present a wide variety of earth friendly craft sessions created in various mediums such as clay, weaving, painting, wood, and more; all provided free of charge.
“We value the opportunity to see everyone in one room, and just spend some time reflecting on accomplishments and enjoying a shared cause,” van de Wijngaard says.
“We’re very thankful to have that time with you all, as it’s not unlike a family gathering at the best time of year, giving us ideas and energy for the one to follow.”
People are invited to the Central Cariboo Arts Centre anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27 or on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for this nature friendly and waste-wise holiday celebration. For more information contact the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society at ccentre@ccconserv.org .0.398.7929.