Wellesley Mistletoe Stop – To Take and Give
This isn’t your typical mistletoe! Artist Brianne Burnell transforms a holiday symbol into a miniature ecosystem, celebrating how mistletoe nourishes wildlife and inspires curiosity about the natural world.
Meet the Artist – Brianne Burnell
Brianne Burnell is a mixed media collage artist and muralist based in Kitchener. Living in Waterloo Region has been transformative for her art practice, and her deep love of the nature, people, and art scene she finds here inspires her work.
Known for her bold use of colour and whimsical approach, she creates public art that engages communities and sparks curiosity. With experience designing children’s toys, facilitating workshops, and producing large-scale murals, Brianne combines professional precision with playful creativity.
Inspired by the unique charm of Waterloo Region, her Mistletoe Trail piece reflects her love of colour, light, and unexpected magic—inviting visitors to pause, explore, and enjoy a moment of wonder.
About This Mistletoe: To Take and Give
Brianne’s creation reimagines mistletoe through an ecological lens, highlighting its dual role as a parasitic plant and a giver of nutrients to the surrounding ecosystem. Her research into the symbolic plant led her to discover the real magic of mistletoe was in the way it attaches to host trees, takes nutrients and water, and passes them along to birds, butterflies, porcupines, deer, plants, fungi, and insects.
Laser-cut from mirrored gold acrylic, the sculpture forms a canopy over these woodland creatures, illustrating the symbiotic relationships that sustain life in winter forests. White glass bead “berries” and golden leaves underscore mistletoe’s generosity, while reflective surfaces invite visitors to see themselves within the work.
Through playful materials and a thoughtful design, the piece celebrates curiosity, connection, and the hidden magic of the natural world.
About the Location: inSeason Home+Garden
Located in the former Queen’s Arms Hotel in village of St. Clements, inSeason Home+Garden offers a curated selection of home decor and outdoor living products.
More Mistletoe Magic
Already captured your selfie at To Give and Take? Keep the festive vibes going with stops at these Wellesley Township businesses to take advantage of their mistletoe-inspired offerings, exclusive to Mistletoe Trail participants!
- inSeason Home+Garden
- Schnurr’s Grocery
Details on these, as well as other Mistletoe Trail special offers, can be found using the map below!
Share your Mistletoe Moments on the trail using #WRKiss and #exploreWR.