Nature Fest returns to The Wilderness Center
Visitors to Nature Fest can shop from more than 25 local artists and craftspeople selling jewelry, pottery, wooden art, body care products and visual art.
The Wilderness Center has a long history of supporting and promoting local artists, craftspeople and photographers. In an effort to engage the community of makers and the greater community, TWC is renewing its Nature Fest Art Show into the outdoor Nature Fest Artists’ Market, which will feature local artists selling their work, educational programs by the TWC team and an outdoor festival to celebrate the beauty of wilderness on Sunday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The event has been going for over 15 years,” said Tiffany Leeper, development coordinator. “Traditionally, we held the event indoors in November but have moved the event up to September and outdoors to prevent us having to cancel due to COVID.”
Leeper said the event benefits TWC’s education programs.
“TWC’s education program offers classes, events and activities to people of all ages, from preschool play dates and story times designed to engage children with nature and conservation from an early age to adult education designed to help individuals and families impact our wilderness in a positive way,” she said. “TWC has six educators on staff with a wide variety of expertise and skills. Education programs happen at TWC but also out in the community through school programs, public programs put on at parks and collaborations with other community groups.”
Naturalist Carrie Elvey will facilitate a make-and-take project at Nature Fest, tree ring printing. Tree ring printing creates embellishments to gift cards, scrap-booking pages and recycled wrapping paper. Through a burning and burnishing process, participants will create their own tree ring stamp to use this holiday season.
Visitors to Nature Fest can shop from more than 25 local artists and craftspeople selling jewelry, pottery, wooden art, body care products and visual art.
Ed Marthey from Wooster will play classical/contemporary piano from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 1-3 p.m., the Gaetano Jazz Trio will perform.
Amish Door Village Bakery and Restaurant will be on hand with baked goods and boxed lunches.
“Visitors can take a hike, play on the Nature Playscape, explore the Nature Center and then casually shop the market,” Leeper said. “It is sure to be a beautiful way to spend a Sunday.”
The best way to support the artists is to visit and buy local, according to Leeper. “Consider starting your holiday shopping early at the Nature Fest Artists’ Market. There will also be a raffle with all proceeds going to TWC.”
Visitors can purchase tickets to win handmade pieces by the vendors. “We will also have an information table where visitors can learn how to join TWC as a member,” Leeper said. “Membership dollars help support the work of TWC in education, conservation and community and allow TWC to stay open to the public free of charge.”
The Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts and Arts in Stark are community partners for the event.
The Wilderness Center is located at 9877 Alabama Ave. SW in Wilmot.