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Okotoks Art Gallery getting warmed up for the holidays

Gingerbread house contest now open for submissions until Nov. 12, with Spirit of Christmas market and Tree of Warmth donation drive kicking off Nov. 18.
Gingerbread Festival
Gingerbread creations are being sought for the Okotoks Art Gallery's Gingerbread Station. (OkotoksTODAY file photo)

The Okotoks Art Gallery has some sweet plans for the holidays.

The gallery is seeking submissions for its fifth annual Gingerbread Station contest, and all ages are invited to make their own gingerbread house – or other novel construct – until entries close Nov. 12. 

“We have adult and youth categories to compete in,” said gallery assistant Katrina Lougheed.  “Last year was our best year yet. We had 18 different gingerbreads come in.” 

It’s up to the public to decide the winner, beginning on Nov. 18 during Light Up Okotoks, where people can come into the art gallery and pick their two favourite in each category. 

The winner gets a gift card to any business in Okotoks. 

“There’s been a couple really good ones in past years,” Lougheed said. “One in the youth category did a ‘Ninja Bread House’, so it was a gingerbread house with ninjas attacking it. 

“We had one in the adult category of a typewriter, with gingerbread men typing a letter to Santa on a typewriter. 

“That was really interesting – it wasn’t your typical house.” 

Another of note was a streetscape of Okotoks recreated in gingerbread based off a photograph from the early 1900s. 

Anybody can sign up to enter a gingerbread house via okotoks.ca/gingerbread.

The Gingerbread Station display will be on view at the gallery from Nov. 18 to Dec. 17.

Also opening up Nov. 18 is the Spirit of Christmas Market. 

“It’s full of local art, our member artists bring work in,” Lougheed said. “Usually about 50 artists are involved and it’s all under $250, so it’s affordable for everybody. 

“It’s a crazy variety. We’ve got knitted items, we’ve got jewelry, staind glass, paintings, wood carvings, sculpture work, metal work – anything you can think of.” 

With plenty of options for something to bring home, there will also be an opportunity to give back with the Tree of Warmth returning. 

“We’re looking for brand new items to give as Christmas gifts to give to people in need in the surrounding community,” Lougheed said. “Anything from children’s toys, pet items, diapers, gifts for grandpa and grandpa, gift cards – anything you might think someone would want for Christmas.” 

Those gifts are then given to The Magic of Christmas, a charity that arranges the distribution of gifts to families in need. 

“Last year was a phenomenal success,” Lougheed said. “We almost couldn’t fit it all into the lady’s SUV there were so many gifts.”  

The program also begins on Nov. 18 and the final date for drop-off will be Dec. 14.

There is always a high anticipated need of gifts, especially for teens. 

For more information visit the Okotoks Art Gallery or call 403-938-3204.




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