After a ride up the gondola we started with a hands on sketching workshop. As we left the chalet we were thrilled to see two big and beautiful grizzly bears up close and personal . ( behind an electric fence).  We  tromped through the snow to the Long House where a Squamish Nation elder named William told us stories and led us in some singing and dancing. Then artist Mark Hobson told us stories about living on a houseboat in Tofino and painted us a seagull painting for us to bring back to Pender. On our way to lunch we were delighted by a friendly blue grouse.We toured two different gallery displays with art and sculpture by Robert Bateman and other famous artists for conservation. The day wrapped up with a great film about artists who were responsible for saving a rainforest in the Congo as protected areas for gorillas. Thanks to the Moms who drove and to the students who made the effort to broaden their minds.