By Kristin Winebrenner
Serving with ArtSpring
Handmade lanterns on display during workshop
The annual ArtSpring Festival celebration in Tucker County was a huge success this year with live music, a pop-up ArtSpring Shop in Davis, the Thomas arts walk, a pub crawl, food and so much more! This year, the Lantern Parade returned for the first time since Covid. As per tradition, the lanterns were created during a free workshop to the public and displayed proudly within the community during a parade throughout Thomas.
Over 70 participants of all ages created festive hats and lanterns during two separate workshops held at the Mountain Laurel Montessori School in Thomas, WV., led by ArtSpring volunteer, Beth Hestik of Fairmont, WV and ArtSpring AmeriCorps Service Member, Kristin Winebrenner.
Participant stands proudly next to his lantern in progress
To create the lanterns, participants used mixed media such as printed tissue paper, led lights, and decorated paper on a pyramid armature made out of bamboo. Younger participants had the choice of creating a modified version using repurposed plastic bottles; and as an added bonus, participants were encouraged to go exploring in nature to find their own lantern holder sticks.
Jessica Waldo and children work in their hats and lanterns
Many of those who created lanterns participated in the Lantern Parade that met at the Mountain Laurel Montessori School on the evening of Saturday, May 27th and paraded along the River Trail and Front Street in Thomas, WV, ending at the Purple Fiddle.
It was a fun event for all! To participate in next year’s ArtSpring Festival Lantern Parade, please stay tuned for future event times during Memorial Day Weekend. We hope to see you next year!
Participants busy creating their lanterns during workshop at Mountain Laurel
The lantern making workshop was open to the public for all ages
Beth Hestick and young participants at the beginning of the parade
Nancy Luscombe and her grandson pose with their completed lanterns
Parade on River Street in Thomas
Participants meet for a photo after the parade
