Carcross-area artist Daphne Mennell is hoping the land that's been an inspiration to her for years will inspire others to make a record of what that land is like at this point in time.

The Carcross-Tagish First Nation plans a commercial and residential development in the area.

Mennell is inviting artists, photographers and anyone else who's interested to spend their Sunday taking in the Carcross sand dunes around the Southern Lakes community and creating artwork from that.

In an interview last week, Mennell said there have been public meetings and events around the First Nation's plan to develop 70 commercial and residential lots.

However, residents of the area, including herself, are feeling worn down, she said. They worry about the future of the sand dunes surrounding the community.

Though a 70-lot development may not entirely change the sand dunes on its own, Mennell said, it could be the start of more development in the Carcross area.

"I see this as signaling the end of the dunes,” Mennell said.

She pointed out that the area has already seen ATVs take their toll over the years.

It's an area she's drawn much inspiration from for her artwork during her three decades in the community.

The dunes, she said, should be left alone or, perhaps, a park should be designated for the area.

"The land, left alone, is something of value,” she said.

Mennell and many others make use of the area both for artistic and/or recreational pursuits.

Before work ramps up in the fall on the proposed development, she wants to ensure people know about the area and have an opportunity to find their own inspiration from it.

So, she's inviting anyone interested to bring a lunch and meet at the Ghuch Tla Community School at 11 a.m. Sunday.

From there, the group will move to the ski trails and on toward the dunes where they can photograph, sketch, paint or pursue whatever other artistic endeavours participants may want to do.

Others may want to take in the walks around the dunes that will be offered through part of the day.

The day will be one to honour the dunes and the role they play in the community, Mennell said.

Then, in the coming weeks, the Wolf House in the recently opened Carcross Commons will display the work produced from the day on the dunes.

Earlier this week, Mennell said she's pleased with the response she's received so far, with more than 20 artists confirming their attendance.

By STEPHANIE WADDELL

Star Reporter