Mackenzie Arts proudly showcased creativity and innovation at its first-ever Winterfest fundraiser and arts showcase. Before heading into the winter break, the event stood as a reflection of the dedication of volunteers and staff members who helped bring a new vision to life.
The celebration began with decorating the school, transforming it into a festive winter wonderland for students and families to enjoy. Giant snowmen and intricate snowflake installations set the tone for the event. From there, the carnival came to life, featuring representatives from many of the arts programs at Mackenzie, including the Photography Club, Drama Club, Visual Arts Council, and more. Each booth offered a unique look into the diverse creative talents within the school.
Food sales were a major highlight of the night. Baked goods, pizza, and popcorn were all popular choices, along with classic coffees and teas to help guests warm up. Serving fresh food to enthusiastic attendees proved to be an effective way to fundraise for the school, with most of it being sold out by the end of the hour!
At the photobooth, the Photography Club impressed visitors with a professionally designed backdrop, props, and installations for high-quality photos. Families stopped by to capture moments filled with smiles and laughter. A special shoutout goes to the WLMAC Lyon for taking photos alongside club members and families.
Across the gym, student-made artwork was available for purchase, with over 80 greeting cards, wiggly portraits, and stickers sold. These pieces were created by students in Mackenzie’s visual art classes. Face painting stations and henna booths were also a hit, offering beautifully detailed designs throughout the evening.
The silent auction featured exciting items, including a pair of basketball shoes, dance lessons, artwork, wellness baskets, and more, drawing strong interest from attendees. In the foyer, the Art Sales section raised over $210 through the sale of student-made portraits, photography pieces, paintings, and sketches. Finally, the carnival section offered fun-filled games such as Darts, the Beat Drop Challenge, Twister, Ring Toss, and Cornhole, appealing to guests of all ages where there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Turning to the show, the stage came alive with cultural dances and performances spanning a variety of dance genres. Drama pieces were also presented, alongside festive music performed by Mackenzie’s bands and ensembles. The performances highlighted the dedication, creativity, and talent of students, and the carnival acknowledged the important contributions of those working behind the scenes. Together, both performers and organizers played a vital role in delivering a successful show with an impressive turnout.
Overall, Winterfest provided an opportunity for Mackenzie students to come together and showcase their talents across various art forms, strengthening the sense of community among Mackenzie families and friends. In addition to our music and dance shows, introducing the carnival created an interactive component where students and their families could come together and enjoy something different that the school has to offer, creating a memorable experience for all.