Participants in the WeHa Artists Emporium’s spring treasure hunt will be looking for ‘Hidden Houses.’

Ceramic bowls by David Davis Wilson. Submitted photo

By Ronni Newton

The WeHa Artists Emporium, which has found a way to engage the community and raise awareness of local artists with its extraordinarily popular and entertaining treasure hunts, will host “Hidden Houses” on April 30.

According to WeHa Artists Emporium founding member and event organizer Julie Phillipps, the “one-of-a-kind treasures will be hidden in an undisclosed location in West Hartford, free to anyone who finds one.” According to Phillipps, more than 120 small pieces of art –  crafted from a variety of mediums including wood, clay, felt, paper, and canvas – will be hidden as part of the event.

Participants won’t be stumbling around West Hartford blindly looking for the treasures, but they will need to follow clues posted on the “Hidden Houses Art Hunt” Facebook event page. The event location will be posted on the morning of April 30.

“Then throw your coat on and go,” founding member Stefanie Marco said in a news release. “Last year’s art hunt, Bunnies & Blooms, which also had over 100 items hidden in West Hartford Center, was finished in 45 minutes!”

The treasure hunts are about fun, but they are also about recognizing the creativity and wonderful work of artists in the community. The quality of the pieces already received for the Hidden Houses event is very impressive, Phillipps said. “It’s so wonderful that there are talented artists willing to donate their creations to these community events. Every artist has their own style and do such amazing work. They really make these hunts an event worth attending.”

Participating artists include Marco, Phillipps, Hannah Dunnack Jackson, David Davis Wilson, Kimberly Heil, Joslyn Austin, Eina Rieger, and Phyllis Meredith.

Meredith, a professional photographer, said in the release that she loves projects like this which have a “theme but an open-ended way to create.” She has donated houses crafted from polymer clay, vintage music sheets, and recycled wool sweaters.

The WeHa Artists Emporium will also hold a Spring Pop-Up show the following day, Sunday, May 1, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 11 Lexington Rd. in West Hartford. “Houses,” as well as other arts and crafts, will be offered for sale.

For more information about the WeHa Artists Emporium, visit their Facebook page.

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Little trailer paintings by Joslyn Austin. Submitted photo

Julie Phillipps paints a clay lighthouse. Submitted photo

Sweater houses by Phyllis Meredith. Submitted photo

Wooden house by Stefanie Marco. Submitted photo