Salt Spring Island residents can get creative this fall and winter as the Salt Spring Arts Council brings back free Crafting Connections sessions for a second year. The program starts at the Fall Fair on September 12, 2026, and continues through March 13, 2027, with hands-on activities for all ages at historic Mahon Hall.
According to the Salt Spring Arts Council, the free drop-in sessions pair seniors with youth to build intergenerational connections through art. Materials are provided, and participants can stay for 20 minutes or two hours. The program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, which supports community projects that empower seniors through social inclusion.
The Fall Fair booth at the Salt Spring Island Farmers’ Institute on 351 Rainbow Road will feature crafts around the theme “Something to crow about.” Later sessions at Mahon Hall, 114 Rainbow Road, include LEAVES on October 17, GLOW on November 14, WINTER WONDERLAND on January 16, 2027, Family Day activities on February 15, 2027, and SPRING on March 13, 2027.
Executive Director Bronwen Duncan said the pandemic affected children’s creative expression. “When children are free to create, they find confidence in their voice … The pandemic quelled the voices of our children,” Duncan said.
Volunteers age 55 and older are encouraged to help. To sign up, email program coordinator Janice Parker at [email protected].
