Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Family, caring and winter fun are prominent themes in this month’s series of virtual crafting events hosted by Lennox and Addington County’s Museum and Archives.
Local artist Linda Fraser will be leading a video series of crafts, which families can do from the comfort of home. Kits will be available by emailing ameyer@lennox-addington.on.ca to arrange a pick up time, either at the Museum and Archives at 97 Thomas Street E in Napanee, or any L&A County Library branch.
Videos will be uploaded to the Museum’s Facebook page throughout the month. On Feb. 5 a video detailing how to sculpt a tiny snow family out of clay was posted to the page. On Feb. 12 will be a painted hearts kit that will make for the perfect Valentine’s Day or Family Day gift and on Feb. 26 will be a woodworking art kit to create a pencil holder.
Kits are free, but in limited supply. Those who register for kit pick up will also be emailed a link to the instructional video. Once picked up, the kits can be completed at any time that works best for families.
“We just have it going out on Fridays because we find it is part of our Fun Friday posts,” explains Amber Meyer, program coordinator at the L&A County Museum and Archives. “They can watch the video at any time. It’s convenient for families because everybody has a different situation so we wanted to make sure that it was accessible rather than doing it as a Zoom video because that doesn’t work for everybody.”
On Feb. 16, Quinte Conservation education coordinator Maya Navrot will appear in a video that talks about how to feed backyard wildlife in the winter. Kits to build a backyard bird feeder will also be available from the museum with an instructional video released on Feb. 19.
Along with the weekly craft series, the L&A Kids Who Care month long program is the gift of winter warmth. Scarf knitting kits are available by contacting the museum and arranging a pickup. Once the scarf is complete, they will be hung somewhere in the community and free for anyone who needs a little extra warmth. The museum has also partnered with the SOS Knitting Group and will be releasing instructional videos for those looking to learn how to knit. Community members can also simply buy a scarf and place it around town for someone in need.
Logan and Nicholas Harris hang a scarf at the Napanee Fairgrounds for anyone in need of some extra warmth this winter.
Meyer says despite the challenge of not being able to host in person programs, the virtual events have become popular in the community.
“It’s great to see the reach the museum is able to have in our communities and continuing to engage and welcome new families into our museum activities.”
For more on this month’s programs, visit www.Lennox-Addington.on.ca/museum-archives.