Discover the power of art to break down barriers at Building Bridges, an exhibition featuring the work of artists within Victoria’s street community, at the Cedar hill Recreation Centre, until Sunday, Feb. 4.
The purpose of the family-friendly exhibit is to use art to break down barriers of fear and prejudice that separate the community.
The exhibit, which features more than 50 pieces by nine local artists, is co-produced by artists Star Casement and Tanya Bub.
“Star’s ideas of celebrating people for their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses is so simple, yet powerful,” said Bub. “She has a broad vision and practical ideas about how to make it happen.”
The exhibit features sculptures, paintings, bead work, drawings and wall hangings.
“We have been so moved by the support and generosity from the District of Saanich and the community who have stepped up to help out with the exhibition,” said Bub. “It takes tremendous courage to cross these unspoken lines and we are particularly proud of the artists for taking a leap of faith to build bridges with Victoria’s community with their beautiful artwork.”
Admission is free. The exhibition can be seen until Sunday, Feb. 4, in the main art gallery in the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Rd.
For more information, go to saanich.ca.
Reconnect with the land on a guided walk at W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary
Discover tranquility and a reconnection with the land at Spirit of Nature walks at the W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary, Sunday, Feb. 4.
The 42-acre property, formerly known as Mary Lake, is now a conservation area that is closed to the public to ensure the protection of endangered ecosystems — except for events that take place on the first Sunday of the month.
The sanctuary features seven different ecosystems, including a seven-acre lake. It contains various riparian areas as both the Earsman and Millstream creeks flow through it.
The land has been under conservation ownership since 1947. It is currently managed by the W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary Society.
Events on Sunday include self-guided or guided walks.
Organizers are suggesting a $5 donation for the self-guided and $10 for the guided walk. Participants in the self-guided walk can walk the trails (with downloaded map) between 1 and 4 p.m. (in one direction only).
The guided walk and talk takes one hour and 15 minutes, with a maximum group size of eight people. The walks start at 1:30 and 2 p.m.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. People with mobility issues can ask for vehicle access to the main driveway. No pets.
The property is at 1772 Millstream Rd. (just north of the Finlayson Arm Road junction). Park along Millstream Road and meet at front gate to sign in.
For more information, or to register, go to wmiyetennaturesanctuary.com/events.
Get your stuff fixed for free at Repair Café event
Don’t throw away your still-useful goods and clutter the landfill. Take it to get repaired — for free — at Repair Café Fairfield, at the Fairfield Community Place, Saturday, Feb. 3.
Repair Café Fairfield is a neighbourhood initiative that encourages residents of Fairfield and surrounding areas to bring their broken items to be fixed on the spot by voluntary repairers.
Items that can be brought include small appliances (toasters, lamps, irons, blenders) and electronics which are repairable. Dull knives will be sharpened, rips and holes on clothing mended and wobbly chairs fixed.
People are asked to bring just one item so the volunteers can help as many people as possible. If there’s time, a second item may be fixed, once others have had a turn.
The event is also a chance for the owner to watch and even help with the repair, while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.
The repairers have a limited amount of spare parts in stock, such as switches, plugs, wire, thread or darning wool. For other supplies, visitors will usually be given advice on where to buy the material in question. in these case, it might then be possible to have the item repaired later or at the next event.
The Repair Café will be open between 2 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 at Fairfield Community Place, 1330 Fairfield Rd.
For more information, go to fairfieldcommunity.ca/repair-cafe.
