The International Museum of Art & Science invites the community to celebrate with them in its upcoming winter festivities. IMAS will host a Biodiversity Festival & Market at the Museum and its “Annual Christmas Tree Forest” as well as Winter Programs including a Winter Camp and an Adult Folk Art Workshop.

The Biodiversity Festival celebrates the variety of life on Earth. Patrons may explore the field of biodiversity through hands-on activities, visit the Smithsonian exhibition “Life in One Cubic Foot,” engage with community organizations and shop at the Market at the Museum. Participating community organizations include UTRGV Soil Ecology Lab, Estero Llano Grande State Park and more. The event takes place Dec. 4 from 1-5 p.m. with a special early Member’s Hour from noon to 1 p.m.

This year’s annual Christmas Tree Forest is celebrating “An International Christmas.” This annual tradition from the IMAS Guild features trees following an overarching theme. Each tree then interprets that theme in its own creative and original way. The tradition of the Christmas Tree Forest brings to life the spirit of art, creation and handmade ornaments to inspire creativity. The annual Christmas Tree Forest will be on display at the IMAS Dec. 3-31.

Winter Programs

Programs at IMAS in December include Operation Imagination Winter Camp and an Adult Folk Art Workshop in Basketry.

Operation Imagination Winter Camp is a three-day camp from Dec. 28-30 which focuses on the Smithsonian exhibition “Life in One Cubic Foot.” During the camp, campers become investigators through outdoor surveys and activities about nature. Online registration for the Winter Camp is now open.

The Folk Art Workshop in December will explore the beautiful art of Mexican basketry and its roots in indigenous practices. Participants (ages 18+) will get a closer look at Mexican basketry in the IMAS permanent collection and then create their own functional bowl from reeds. This workshop is Dec. 10 from 2-4 p.m with IMAS Educator Selena Garza teaching. Registration is $15 per participant ($10 for IMAS members).

Visitors may also take on the Gingerbread House Workshop building challenge on Dec. 9, 10, 11 and 17 for $10 ($5 for IMAS members).

More information and registration for the workshops is available on the IMAS website.