In a world filled with strife and conflict, it’s important to remember that there are good things to look for in day-to-day life. Locally, nationally or internationally, big or small, there’s always something to celebrate.
This weekend, Michiana residents can enjoy For the Love of Art, an annual indoor art fair at the South Bend Century Center! The fair will run on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10, and children 12 and under can attend for free. One ticket purchase grants entry for both days. According to the fair website, this year’s show features 50 local and midwestern artists across a variety of media. In addition to enjoying the art and shopping for unique pieces, attendees can enjoy music, wine and refreshments. Visit fortheloveofartfair.com for more information.
Outside of South Bend, good things are afoot – or, ahoof. In Kane County, Illinois, a herd of six American bison have been released onto native prairieland, where they have not lived for 200 years. Millions of bison were murdered during the colonization of the continent, and because of their influence on ecosystems, this had a profound impact on North American prairielands. Santee Sioux tribe members welcomed the bison back at the end of last month, adding Illinois to a slowly growing list of places where bison are being reintroduced to their native grasslands.
Internationally, environmental progress abounds in spite of everything. In Chile, efforts are in progress to create a national park “at the end of the world,” or at the southernmost tip of the continent. In particular, the park will protect endangered species and their unique ecosystems across 127,000 hectares of land. The conservation organization Rewilding Chile donated the land with the condition that the park must be developed within two years. The park will also have a focus on environmentally responsible tourism and sustainable economic development.
Amid the dreary winter weather, stay tuned for next week’s sun spot, and remember that even when the sun isn’t out, we can still create light in our communities.
