Tales of the Wild at Mass Audubon

By Canton Citizen

TALES OF THE WILD: Local children enjoyed a fun-filled week of storytelling, exploration, and activities at the Mass Audubon Visual Arts Center in Canton during the recent February vacation. Inspired by two classics of children’s literature, The Mitten by Jan Brett and Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, the younger group (ages 6-8) searched for treasures along the trails, enjoyed a visit from a hedgehog, created imaginative animal art, and played indoor games. The older children (ages 9-12) focused on the mythical creatures in the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books to spark their imaginations and inspire art, games and activities.

Located on Washington Street (across from Canton High School), the Mass Audubon Visual Arts Center houses an extensive art collection, which is shared with the public through exhibitions as well as through a wide variety of education programs.

Programs are offered in many formats, including hands-on art classes in drawing, photography, watercolor and other mediums, as well as gallery talks and nature exploration. On- and off-site programs serve children, adults, families, and school and community groups.

Visitors may also explore the 138-acre Mildred Morse Allen Wildlife Sanctuary and its scenic trail system that wanders through a meadow, forest, and red maple swamp.

On April 2, the Visual Arts Center will hold its annual gala, For the Birds, at Reebok World Headquarters on Royall Street to benefit VAC’s many children’s programs. The evening gala will feature fine hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, desserts, silent and live auctions, and a jazz and Latin trio. Tickets are $50 per person and can be ordered here, or by calling 781-821-8853.

For more information on the Visual Arts Center, go to www.massaudubon.org/visualarts.