Make Merry
Have yourself a crafty little Christmas with ArtsJunktion
The William Avenue take-what-you-need, pay-what-you-can depot is a Santa’s workshop for a community of artists, educators and anyone who loves to create.
ArtsJunktion gathers and redistributes reusable materials that would otherwise be considered waste, said Executive Director Julie Kettle. More than 3,000 kilograms of materials move in and out every month. While the majority of the items could be considered traditional supplies such as paint, paper, fabric, beads and buttons, stranger things have found their way to the Junktion.
“It’s always weird to me when we get human hair,” said Kettle, adding that it is a legitimate crafting supply and one that has been used for generations for jewelry and art.
It will be fun and festive for whatever you’re celebrating. We’re going to craft and be cozy together.
Julie Kettle
One not-at-all traditional donation also came to mind. “A ginormous box came in, and when I opened it up, I saw it was filled with hundreds of Styrofoam penises,” said Kettle, laughing as she described another detail, a happy face printed on each. The stock of smiley penises was snapped up quickly.
The Junktion hosts community art-making ArtHives on First Fridays in the Exchange (www.firstfridayswinnipeg.org), and the second Tuesday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m. This December, ArtsJunktion is hosting a series of Merrymaking Crafternoons, with instruction in making felt ornaments, hand-stamped wrapping paper and pom-pom garlands. You can register and learn more at the Workshops and Events tab at www.artsjunktion.mb.ca. You do need to register ahead of time online or by calling, emailing or sending a Facebook message to claim your spot. A donation of $5 to $10 is suggested to participate.
“It will be fun and festive for whatever you’re celebrating,” said Kettle. “We’re going to craft and be cozy together.”
If you aren’t able to take in a workshop, you’re welcome to drop in to the depot to see what inspires you. “I’m a big fan of approaching the holidays intentionally, thinking about how you’re going to spend your time, energy and money.”
Making your gifts and decorations is creative and a great way to learn a new skill, she said.
