The Great Christmas Disaster

We've all read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and probably seen Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” at least once or twice too. I am sure you are familiar with all the characters that run through these tales and more, like the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, Rudolph, the Grinch and even jolly old Santa Claus. Have you heard of "The Great Christmas Disaster" though? What about "Gabe Strikes Again"? They are one and the same and if you are still shaking your head, I'm not surprised. This Christmas drama is an original by Kim Stark, but it pulls on many already familiar Christmas themes. In fact, as the play unfolds, you will see one mixed-up angel having to set several Christmas stories straight with the help of a couple of angelic friends.

You haven't seen this play before, but you will want to catch it this year.

On Friday, December 21^st at 7 pm and Saturday, December 22^nd at 2 pm, 17 children will be performing their version of this Christmas play. Kim Stark has spent the last month or so teaching the kids tips, tricks and techniques for how to dazzle an audience with the help of the new Budding Artists space. With Kim directing these children, aged 5-15 years, they are finally ready for the curtain to go up. Now is their time to shine.

So without further ado, Budding Artists presents “The Great Christmas Disaster” to showcase London’s newest theatre troupe, at their new location at 944 Western Counties Rd, behind Parkwood Hospital. Please contact Budding Artists for tickets, as space is limited at the venue. Suggested donations are $8 per adult and $5 per child. These budding thespians would love your support, so please make a point to come out and cheer them on as they present “The Great Christmas Disaster (or Gabe Strikes Again)” to you.

Christmas Gift Ideas

Garden Stake

With two weeks to go, we are coming down to crunch time for Christmas shopping. Are you done yet? Would you like to personalize your gift giving this year? Why not give the gift of personalized artwork from your child! Perfect for Grandma and Grandpa, aunts, uncles, your child's teacher or whomever is on your list still.

Keepsake Box

Get us your children's artwork and Budding Artists can create garden stakes and keepsake boxes that anyone would be thrilled to receive. If you want to give the gift of art for your children, why not pick up one of our many artist supplies and craft kits? Our new fish pencil sharpeners make excellent stocking stuffers!


Perhaps the best way to show your children you appreciate their artistic skills is by displaying their creativity for all to see. The L'il Davinci Art Frame does just that! Store up to 50 pieces of artwork in a beautiful cabinet. All you have to do is rotate the art as it is created. Wouldn't that clean up your fridge door? I'm sure Santa has you on the nice list, so perhaps you can put in the good word with him for this under your Christmas tree.

Budding Artists Does Christmas Cards

There's 21 days til Christmas

and what's left to do?

How about everything and nothing,

and me come down with the flu.

Christmas baking is yet to begin

and presents still wait at the store,

but Budding Artists can help you

at least with one thing more.

Have you started your Christmas letter?

Are holiday cards in the mail?

Fear not my friends and neighbours,

as a scheme for you, we will regale

Pick out your favourite artwork

that your child has created and slaved over,

then get the design to Maria

by Friday, and see the changeover!

She'll set the picture for you,

two sets of 6 cards apiece,

the grandparents will be a'wonder

and don't forget to include one for your great niece!

So get your children drawing

and cross one item off the list

Budding Artists saves the day

with a Christmastime assist!

Countdown to Christmas

With the arrival of Santa Claus in London, Ontario this past weekend, the countdown to Christmas is on! Only 42 days to be exact. If you are itching for something festive a little sooner though, there is a Christmas event that falls a little closer on the calendar. On Saturday, November 24th, 2012 from 10 am - 3 pm the doors will be opened at 944 Western Counties Rd (Bruce Pavilion behind Parkwood Hospital) for the Budding Artists Open House & Christmas Sale! That's right, Budding Artists wants to celebrate the season in their new location and YOU are invited.

Wondering what you have to look forward to? The scent of Christmas will be in the air with hot drinks and snacks on offer. It wouldn't be a Budding Artists affair without crafts for the kids too. Plus, get a sneak peek at all of the new programs that Budding Artists is running at the new location, like Free Drama Workshops on Mondays, Eco Tots Exploration, Creative Writing Classes, Toonie Tuesdays, and Friday Craft Night Fridays. And of course you can get some shopping done as well, with 10% off all of our eco-friendly arts products, plus Budding Artists Keepsakes! No Scrooges here either - NO Tax!

In fact, the Drama Workshops are going to have a decidedly Christmas-y feel to them too, as Budding Artists are gearing up for a Christmas Play this year. The first audition will be held tonight, so hurry on down. Workshops are held on Mondays, from 4:30-6:30 pm with Kim Stark (former Principal of the Sitting Tree School) presiding. We can't wait, but you will have to, so we'll be sure to let you know when the performance will be held!

Don't forget that we'll be running a PD Day Camp this Friday, November 16th, 2012 at Wesley Knox Church from 9 am - 4 pm too! Sign up today!!

See you soon! HO, HO, HO!