Native and heritage plants of East Humber River show at museum
Nature's Kaleidoscope

The King Township Museum will be hosting a celebration of the color, tenacity and grace of the plants of the East Humber River watershed this spring.

For thousands of years, the explosive natural diversity of the East Humber has been an abundant home to wildlife and people. The rich soils enabled settlers to grow their vegetables, fruits, flowers, and medicinal herbs.

A group of regional artists will mount their collection of botanical watercolors and plantscapes of the Humber Valley at the museum through May and June.

The opening of Nature's Kaleidoscope will be April 24, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the King Township Museum, at 2920 King Rd., King City. Refreshments will be served and live music will be provided by Arts Society King (ASK).

The show will continue at the museum as part of ASK's Studio Tour the weekend of April 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and then during museum hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays to Fridays) through May and June.

The artists have been painting together for several years. Because they all live near the East Humber River and draw their inspiration from the area, they call themselves Kaleidoscope: East Humber River Artists. Members of the group are Carole Ahmad, Fran Andreana, Donna Greenstein, Ann Love, Margit Sampogna, and Karen Taylor. Last year, the group mounted a show at Daniels of Nobleton. All members of Kaleidoscope belong to the Botanical Artists of Canada and have shown their works in exhibitions around the Greater Toronto Area.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Ontario's commitment to the Humber River with the founding of the Humber Valley Conservation Authority. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of its designation as a Canadian Heritage River.

Every day, individuals, municipalities and organizations, such as the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, work to restore and protect these river lands. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is also involved by acquiring key sites in the Happy Valley Forest, one of the headwaters of the East Humber in King. These two organizations will provide maps of their projects at the entrance to the art exhibit. David Love, a local naturalist, will offer photographs to compliment the displays and exhibition.

For more information on Kaleidoscope: East Humber River Artists, contact meadowatch@sympatico.ca. For information on the King Township Museum, contact kingmuseum@king.ca or call (905) 833-2331.