December 3, 2009.
Lots going on this weekend, on Salt Spring Island: WinterCraft, at Mahon Hall, the Fulford Hall and Beaver Point Hall craft fairs, specialty showings in Village galleries (J. Mitchell Gallery, Steffich Fine Art, Starfish Gallery, Frankly Scarlett, Upstairs Bears -- all in Grace Point Square -- plus Martinus' (gems, gold and silver work) collaboration with Ulrike Benner (fabric artist), at Martinus' Seaview Ave studio, plus McPhillips Fine Art Gallery, and the show (Interiors) currently at ArtSpring's gallery, plus Pegasus Canadian Fine Art gallery on the "boardwalk"...so many opportunities to be both impressed by and supportive of our exceptional artists community!
Time to drive the Island, and enjoy the personal artist studios? Even better! Pick up the studio map at the Chamber's tourist info centre (and be sure to thank the volunteers within, for being such good ambassadors for our Island!) and enjoy your meander through these spaces -- remember what the dormouse said ("feed your head")!
If you're near Sidney/Saanich, this coming weekend is also the annual craft fair showcase of uniquely Salt Spring gift ideas (called A Taste of Salt Spring, it's held annually at Panorama Centre).
Feel like a daytrip off Island? Enjoy the Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Empress, and experience the wonderland of lights at Butchart's Garden!
Heading up Island? Essential to see Ladysmith's incredible "light display"...you will be instantly transformed to a Christmas and Holiday wonderland feel!
Remember, too, to generously give whatever you can to the food bank, to the Salvation Army, to the shelters for the homeless, to Copper Kettle...to the "need" in your area.
The economic downturn afflicts everyone, economizing is the watchword for all, and yet it's so important to remember those truly "needy" souls...try to read Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol tale, in its original form.
In my family, we began the tradition some years ago to give donations to our chosen places, in the name of the relative(s) on our gift list. No individual gifts, then.
Remember, too, that if you pass one of those Christmas trees, with gift tags (girl, 11; boy, 8; infant, 6 mos), to take one, and come back with the gift...the unexpected can work miracles....
It is a season of sharing, of creating light, of enjoying good fellowship and cheer, and of practicing the attitude of gratitude.
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
