Spellbound - a local art installation in the forest

Bring the children, grandchildren, neighbours and join us for a celebration of “SpellBound”, an Arts Health Antigonish project born from local artists, poets and biologists at St. Francis Xavier University coming together to capture and honor the wild plants and creatures of Nova Scotia. Throughout the day, all are welcome to wander into the pine forest to see the project’s artwork installed among the towering pine trees. Kids and adults alike will enjoy family-friendly stations set up for drawing, painting, and writing poetry, with local artists Nancy Turniwan, Anne Simpson,  Cory MacInnis, Noelle Murphy, Emily Raftus-Quilty and others on hand to help and inspire.

This project and all its artful elements were inspired by a book called ‘The Lost Words’, and brought to life as a local project through illustration, writing, and science combined. Artists and scientists were connected by Arts Health Antigonish to work together to turn engaging works of art into conversation pieces featuring local species like the loon, heron, serviceberry, Queen Anne’s lace, Lady’s Slipper, and dragonflies. We are pleased to offer this event free of charge due to a grant from the Province of Nova Scotia and donations will be welcome to support future installations of these works too! Please register for as many tickets as you need and know that there is no fee to participate but contributions are welcome. 

Participants are welcome to arrive at FireLoch and wander the land and forest anytime after 9:30am. The day officially opens with a short talk in the dome at FireLoch at 10AM, giving background on The Lost Words, the SpellBound project, and the work of Arts Health Antigonish. Bring a picnic lunch – you are welcome to stay for as long as you like! The presentation will be repeated at 1:30 PM for those who miss the first.

Come to the forest to engage with the magic of art and science!