celebrating the natural world and the relationship between birds and fungi, in partnership with the Wild Bird Trust of BC
For over 20 years, North Van Arts has hosted Arts in the Garden in private North Shore gardens. As the event evolves, we have begun featuring public garden spaces as part of our efforts to work towards rendering the event more accessible. In 2022, we had the pleasure of partnering with Wild Bird Trust to create an all-ages event to inspire curiosity and wonder about the interactions of birds and fungi.
Just like other Arts in the Garden locations, at Maplewood Flats visitors had opportunities to engage with art and nature: at the Coast Salish Plant Nursery, at the Coast Salish Plant Exhibition, and on the trails. Unique to this location were interactive workshops that took place over the weekend.
Saturday, May 28
Make Your Own Birdwings Workshop
guided Naturalist Walk
Sunday, May 29
Make Your Own Paper Mâché Puppet Workshop
Bird Movement Workshop
Community Parade
Coast Salish Plant Exhibition
An exhibition highlighting Indigenous knowledge of native plants, including the plants’ various uses and their connection to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and the səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) history.
Featuring work by Angelina Hopkins Rose, Erica Mulder, Nicole Preissl, Ronnie Dean Harris, Shḵwen̓ Ocean Hyland, Tsawaysia Spakwus Alice
Guss, T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss, Senaqwila Wyss.
April 22 – June 6, 2022
Coast Salish Plant Nursery
Large selection of native plants for sale.
The Coast Salish Plant Nursery is an important component of what we do at Maplewood Flats. Our aim is to recognize and emphasize the cultural associations of Coast Salish plants, and how they can be used to improve biodiversity and habitat value for local wildlife.
Sat & Sun, May 28 & 29, 10am-4pm.
Make Your Own Birdwings Workshop
Sat, May 28, 9:30am-12:30pm
Join this workshop to learn about your favourite local birds then create your very own set of bird wings so you can “become” your bird. Learn how to paint and assemble your wings. You can then soar with your wings in the Feathers & Fungi Community Parade!
We will be working with permanent paints so wear clothes you won’t mind if they accidentally get dripped on with paint.
Registration required | All materials provided | All ages
Children under 11 must be accompanied by a supportive adult.
led by Carmen Rosen
Fee: $30/set of wings
Naturalist Walk
Sat, May 28, 2:00-5:00pm
Learn all about the relations between birds and mushrooms!
Join us on a walk in the woods to observe and learn about the ecological relationships between avians and fungi, exploring how they work together to create food and habitat for each other as well as other forest life.
Registration required | free | all ages welcome
Led by Traditional Knowledge Keeper T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss and naturalist/mycologist/artist Willoughby Arevalo.
Make Your Own Paper Mâché Mushroom Puppet
Sun, May 29, 9:30am-12:30pm
Using sticks, paper, tape and glue, we will craft larger-than life mushroom puppets to carry in the Feathers & Fungi Parade, inspired by real mushroom species from here and around the world.
Fee: $10/mushroom puppet
Registration required | | all ages welcome
11 and under must be accompanied by a supportive adult
Led by naturalist/mycologist/artist Willoughby Arevalo
Bird Movement Workshop
Sun, May 29, 3:30-5:00pm
Learn about birds through embodying their anatomy, movement patterns and behaviors, and move inspired by murmurations and migration patterns.
Fee: $10/person
Registration required | all ages welcome
children 11 and under must come with a supportive adult
led by Isabelle Kirouac
Community Parade
Sun, May 29, 5:30-6:30pm
Join our festive community parade along the forested paths of Maplewood Flats for a celebration of our local birds and fungi! Join stiltwalkers and bird-friendly musicians, bring your wings and puppets or come as you are!
Free | all ages welcome
