Baxter Arts is looking ahead to the Bloomfield Nighttime Christmas Parade. In November, local artist Nella Casson offers two large decoration workshops. Participants can create larger-than-life holiday decorations, either for home, or for a float in the Parade. Giant baubles will go to create large wreath and planter decorations. 

Thanks to a municipal community grant, all materials and Ms. Casson’s guidance are offered free of charge.

“We did a similar program last year. We created giant gingerbread houses and people actually made them and, after Christmas, their cats used them for the rest of the year,” Baxter’s programs manager Gabriele Cole says with a laugh. “So people find more than one use for their creations and creativity abounds at Baxter.”

On the night of the parade, November 28, the Centre will become a warming station with hot chocolate and goodies by an outdoor fire pit.

And on parade day, revellers can pop inside the BAC and create a watercolour Christmas Card for a McFarland Memorial Home Resident. Printmaker Lucy Sterezylo leads the activity, funded by the Huff Family Fund.

“We are so lucky to receive funding every year to offer pre-parade activities and a warming station. This year those lining up to watch the parade can come in, warm up, and create some cards,” Ms Cole explained. “Then, we deliver them all to McFarland Memorial Home.

Looking Ahead

After the holiday rush and thanks to the support of an Ontario Seniors Grant, Baxter offers three winter programs that are Pay What You Can for anyone over 55.

“They will include movement and strengthening classes, as well as an Intergenerational program where we’ll feature crafts children and older adults can enjoy together,” Ms Cole added. 

“We also have a free After School Art Club with Angela Jane Lavender starting in January sponsored by the Stark Family Fund. This program will require registration and will be full of amazing opportunities to explore different ways of creating art.”