The calendar says spring, but it’s beginning to look a lot like the winter holidays at Community Housing & Resources (CHR).
This year’s Community Art Project through CHR is called Enchanted Winter Wonderland and Festival of Trees. CHR seeks creative individuals, organizations or groups to design a holiday tree or wreath. Pre-lit trees—20 total, including four 4.5-foot, four 9-foot, and a dozen 7.5-foot trees—and 18 wreaths 28 inches across are available for design. These will be auctioned off to raise funds for CHR’s programs for affordable housing.
Nicole Decker-McHale, Executive Director of CHR, said the trees and wreaths can be decorated in any style or theme the artist chooses. “We’re eager to see these creators let their imaginations run wild!” she said. “The whole community can look forward to celebrating their amazing talents for a great cause.”
Decker-McHale said CHR will supply the trees and wreaths at no cost. Designers are responsible for providing all decorations and display materials for their trees or wreaths. Designers must apply to CHR to participate; if selected, they will receive a handbook with additional information and guidelines regarding design elements.
Wreaths will be distributed to designers in September. Completed wreaths must be delivered to the Sanibel Community House on Nov. 19. Trees will be decorated in place at the Sanibel Community House on Nov. 18, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Nov. 19 and 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public display of the finished trees and wreaths will take place on Nov. 21, followed by a benefit and auction on Nov. 22.
“It’s not too early to look ahead to CHR’s Enchanted Winter Wonderland and Festival of Trees,” said Decker-McHale. “There will be lots of activities for people to enjoy, in addition to an impressive display of artistic holiday cheer!”
Anyone interested in being a designer can contact [email protected] for a registration form. The deadline to register is May 31. Those selected will be informed by June 15.
About Community Housing & Resources
Community Housing & Resources, Inc. (CHR) is a 501 (c) (3) Not for Profit organization with the mission to provide affordable housing for families and individuals who work and who serve our island communities. CHR was formed in 1979 to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Sanibel community. In 1983, the City of Sanibel passed an ordinance establishing the Affordable Housing Program and designating CHR as the city’s housing foundation. Today, CHR owns affordable housing units at various locations on Sanibel, including rental properties — one of which is a 12-unit complex just for senior residents — and Limited Equity Ownership (LEO) homes through the Coast and Islands Community Land Trust. Website: sancapchr.org.
