Artists and crafty individuals of all skill levels are invited to make tea light holders to help raise funds for the Nose Creek Valley Museum.
To participate in the "Illumination Fundraiser," pre-made plaster tea light holders can be picked up from the museum in Airdrie during the month of January.
“Whether they're an artist or craftsperson or just a young person who wants to participate, they get a tea light holder and they take it home and be creative with it,” said museum consultant Carrie Allen.
Allen said there has already been some interest from the youth community, and she is excited to see what people come up with.
“People are encouraged to paint or to bead or to carve, or to do whatever they want,” Allen said. “They can also add things to it, so they could make a wreath or something around the tea light holder.”
Once completed, artwork must be returned to the museum by Feb. 12 to be auctioned off for the fundraiser.
What makes this event unique is that the museum hopes not only local artists will get involved but anyone from the community is encouraged to join.
“There's so many creative people in the community and I would just really like to see some of our youth getting involved,” she said. “I'd really like to see some of our closet craftspeople.”
The tea light holders will be put on display anonymously at the museum and also posted on the brand new museum Facebook page, Nose Creek Valley Museum - Community Events.
“We are not publishing the name of the person who created the piece until after the auction so everyone is on an even playing field,” Allen said. “Whether you're 12 and you're just wanting to give it a try or you're 54 and you are a professional artist who's been working in the field for 20 years, everybody is on an even playing field.”
On March 16, the online auction will take place, and the proceeds of each piece will be split 50/50 between the museum and the artist.
Funds raised will go directly into the Nose Creek Valley Museum fund to pay for exhibits, like the upcoming Haunted Alberta exhibit in the fall, as well as helping to keep the lights on at the nonprofit organization.
An event will be held on March 23 to meet the artist at the Nose Creek Valley Museum where bidders can pick up their pieces.
“The museum will be open,” Allen said. “So you'll be able to tour the museum as well.”
Allen hopes to host an event with refreshments where people can look around the museum and chat with artists, the docents at the museum, or the museum directors.
Participants are required to put down a $10 deposit for the tea light holder, which they will get back once they bring back the finished piece.
Tea light holders are available for pick up at the museum during museum hours. There is no age limit to participate.
Joining the new Facebook page will allow members to participate in the auction and have access to all of the classes and programming at the museum, Allen said.
