This article was written for and published by the Moose Jaw Express. I included a few more photos than they did :). Enjoy!
Culture Day 2012 at the Western Development Museum was a hit
for all ages! Everyone from the young to the young at heart had a blast during
the event on Sunday, September 29th. The museum was full of visitors
of all ages checking out the exhibits for FREE as no admission was charged in
celebration of the Canada-wide culture days. Culture days was launched in 2010
and is now the largest ever movement taken on by the arts and cultural
community in Canada. It was “conceived in response to the growing recognition
that a vibrant arts and cultural sector contributes directly to a healthy and
stable society”.
Along with free admission, guests also got to
enjoy free horse and carriage rides as well as being able to interact with a
blacksmith on site. Live music emanated from the railway gallery as “Olga and
Friends” performed for several hours as everyone perused the exhibits.
The
museum was in tip-top shape for the tours and the exhibits were wonderful! If
you haven’t been there for years, it’s definitely worth going. There is also
currently a limited time food exhibit so go see it while you still can! It’s
worth noting though, that if there is a perfect time to visit, it’s during
culture days. Special guests were stationed all throughout the museum and, along
with my 4-year-old nephew, even I got to enjoy the crafts and entertainment.
After speaking with quilter, Sophia Randall about her craft, I was taught how
to make a doll using just a couple of pieces of fabric and some elastic bands.
History tells us that during the depression when funds were scarce, these dolls
were made for children to play with during church and at home. For the boys,
the craft was a game made with a paper cup, a string, and a button. The goal
was to swing the cup and catch the button, which was no easy task!
Upon
visiting Don Fox, a blacksmith who learned his craft through a series of
classes and many years of experimenting, I was able to watch the creation of a
leaf pendant (see below) and take it home to wear. After exploring planes,
trains, and automobiles as well as making crafts and watching those who are
great at their craft, I can definitely say I will be back for Culture Days at
the Western Development Museum in years to come. See you there!
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