Alberta Culture Days is a month long festival held province-wide featuring interactive activities, artisan demonstrations, live performances, workshops and more. The festival aims to engage Albertans while celebrating the cultural diversity and creativity that makes our province unique. With multiple community groups and organizations participating in this celebration, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Each year, thousands of Albertans discover, experience and celebrate our unique blend of peoples, passions and the importance of arts and culture to a healthy and vibrant Alberta. This is Grande Prairie’s 14th year participating in this exciting festival of the arts. Come celebrate with us from September 1st – 30th!

 

Take Home Activities:

 

Chalk the Walk

September 1st – 29th

The Centre for Creative Arts

“Chalk the Walk” around Grande Prairie and share your creations on our Facebook page!

Submit your images to https://www.facebook.com/TheCentreForCreativeArts or email them to info@creativecentre.ca to WIN PRIZES for participating. Pick up your FREE package of sidewalk chalk from the Centre for Creative Arts starting on September 1st while supplies last. All ages! Drawings, positive messages, games, you can create anything! Help us to spread creativity and cheer throughout our city during Alberta Culture Days.

 

Draw on the Go

September 1st – 29th

The Centre for Creative Arts

Drawing is a simple and fun way to get creative anywhere. The Centre for Creative Arts wants to spread creativity this Culture Days. Pick up your FREE drawing kit from the Centre for Creative Arts starting on September 1st while supplies last. All ages! Kit includes mini sketchbook, drawing supplies and a step-by-step drawing lesson you can try at home or on the go.

 

Free Creativity Kits

September 1st – 30th

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie

We have created one FREE take home creativity kit for you to explore your creativity and enjoy art making your way. Draw, colour, glue, layer and enjoy! Feel free to mix and match the materials provided however it makes sense to you. Pick up your FREE Creativity Kit at the gallery during our regular hours. Kits are for all ages. Limit 1 of each kit per person. *While quantities last.

 

Balance Creativity Kit

September 1st – 30th

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie

Inspired by our current exhibition “Powwow! Ohcîwin: The Origins”, this free creativity kit invites you to design a cloth sharing symbols meaningful to you, your family, and your culture.

If you are an organization or group interested in a larger order of any creativity kits, please contact garry@aggp.ca or call 780-357-7480. For more information: aggp.ca

 

Live Events:

 

Art Squared Opening Reception

September 1st

7 pm – 9 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts, Centre Gallery

Join us for the opening reception of “Art Squared”. Meet the artists, enjoy free refreshments, and bring along the whole family to enjoy this exciting collection of local artworks. The annual Art Squared exhibition and silent auction fundraiser features 32 diverse, original creations generously donated by talented local artists. There is something for everyone! All funds generated through the silent auction will support programs at the Centre for Creative Arts, including our Healing Arts Program. The silent auction will run from September 1st – 29th. The exhibition can be viewed in person at the Centre for Creative Arts or online at Art Squared Silent Auction Fundraiser 2023.

 

Birds, Bugs, and Blooms Reception

September 1st

7 pm – 9 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts, Centre Gallery

Join us for the opening reception of “Birds, Bugs, and Blooms” featuring the work of our students in the Healing Arts Program or HAPI. Meet the artists, enjoy free refreshments, and bring along the whole family to celebrate colorful and creative works of art. HAPI classes help students enjoy positive accomplishment, overcome isolation, build self-esteem, unlock hidden talents, and express themselves through a healthy outlet. The program is designed to encourage positivity and inclusion. Come out to celebrate our fantastic artists!

 

Culture Days: Intro to Soapstone Carving

Instructed by Leslie

September 16th

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

1 pm – 2 pm

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free workshop ages 6 – adult; children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.

Learn the basics of carving soapstone in this hands-on workshop. A great introduction to basic tools and techniques. All supplies are provided. Participants will complete a small sculpture that they can take home. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Weave Party

September 16th

1:30 pm – 4 pm

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie

We’re having a Weave Party and you’re invited! Watch how cloth is woven and yarn is spun by experienced Weavers. Help add colours, textures, and patterns to the community tapestries crafted for “Weave and Intertwine: Interactive Community Art Exhibition”. Join the Saskatoon Lake Weavers, a generous and welcoming community, and watch their fascinating Spinning and Weaving Demonstrations! Everyone is welcome to this FREE event. All materials are provided. *While quantities last. For more information: aggp.ca

 

Culture Days: Intro to Clay Sculpture – Family

Instructed by Debbie

September 17th

10 am – 1 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free 1day workshop for children ages 8+ and a family member (parent, grandparent, guardian, or friend).

Learn the basics of sculpting with clay in this hands-on workshop. A great introduction to clay sculpture, tools, and techniques.  All supplies are provided.  Participants will complete a small project that will be fired in our kilns and picked up at a later date. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Painting – Adults

Instructed by Janet

September 17th

11 am – 1 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free workshop ages 14 – adult

Learn the basics of acrylic painting while our instructor guides you through a fun lesson. A great introduction to painting. All supplies are provided. Participants will complete a painting of a piglet they can take home. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Painting – Children

Instructed by Janet

September 17th

2 pm – 3 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free children’s workshop ages 6+

Learn the basics of painting and explore a variety of mediums through a fun lesson. A great introduction to painting. All supplies are provided. Participants will complete a painting of a piglet that they can bring home. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Clay Mugs – Family

Instructed by Debbie

September 17th

2 pm – 5 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free 1day workshop for children ages 8+ and a family member (parent, grandparent, guardian, or friend).

Learn the basics of working with clay in this hands-on workshop. A great introduction to clay hand building, tools, and techniques. All supplies are provided. Participants will complete a mug that will be fired in our kilns and picked up at a later date. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Figure Drawing – Adults

Instructed by Marty

September 20th

7 pm – 9 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free workshop for adults 18+

Learn the basics of drawing the human form while working with a live model. Our instructor will guide you through a lesson suitable for beginners or more advanced artists. A great introduction to figure drawing. All supplies are provided. Participants will complete pieces they can bring home. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Sewing

Instructed by Heather

September 23rd

11:30 am – 12:45 pm

2 pm – 3:15 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free workshop ages 10+

Learn the basics of machine sewing while our instructor guides you through a fun lesson. A great introduction to sewing supplies and techniques. All supplies are provided. Participants will complete a small project that they can bring home. Please preregister as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Clay – Adults

Instructed by April

September 23rd 

10 am – 1 pm

September 24th

10 am – 1 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free 1 day workshop ages 14 Adult

Learn the basics of working with clay to make a functional piece in this hands-on workshop. A great introduction to basic clay hand building tools and techniques.  All supplies are provided. Participants will complete a small project that will be fired in our kilns and available to pick up later. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intermediate Clay – Adult

Instructed by April

September 23rd

2 pm – 5 pm

and

September 24th

2 pm – 5 pm (2 – Day Workshop)

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free 2 day intermediate workshop ages 14 Adult

This workshop is for potters with some clay experience.  Learn new hand building techniques and meet other local potters during this free 2 Day workshop. All supplies are provided.  Participants will create canisters with lids that will be fired in our kilns and available to pick up later.  Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Clay – Children

Instructed by Tess

September 25th

6 pm – 7:30 pm

Free 1 day workshop children ages 7-11

Learn the basics of working with clay in this hands-on workshop. A great introduction to hand-building, tools, and techniques. All supplies are provided. Participants will complete a small project that will be fired in our kilns and picked up at a later date. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Clay – Youth

Instructed by Tess

September 26th

6 pm – 7:30 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free 1 day workshop children ages 12-15

Learn the basics of working with clay in this hands-on workshop. A great introduction to hand-building, tools, and techniques. All supplies are provided. Participants will complete a small project that will be fired in our kilns and picked up at a later date. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Drawing – Adults

Instructed by Janet

September 24th

11 am – 1 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free workshop ages 14 adult

Learn the basics of drawing and using watercolor pencils while our instructor guides you through a fun lesson. A great introduction to drawing. All supplies are provided.  Participants will complete a floral themed piece that they can bring home. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Culture Days: Intro to Drawing – Children

Instructed by Janet

September 24th

2 pm – 3 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts

Free children’s workshop ages 6+

Learn the basics of drawing and explore a variety of mediums through a fun lesson. A great introduction to drawing. All supplies are provided. Participants will complete a floral themed piece that they can bring home. Please pre-register as space is limited, call the Centre for Creative Arts at 780-814-6080 or register online.

 

Art Squared Closing Reception

September 29th

6 pm – 8 pm

The Centre for Creative Arts, Centre Gallery

Join us for our closing reception of Art Squared. Bring your family and friends for an evening of exciting local art, free refreshments, silent auction bidding, and maybe take home your favourite artwork! The annual Art Squared exhibition and silent auction fundraiser features 32 diverse, original creations generously donated by talented local artists. There is something for everyone! All funds generated through the silent auction will support programs at the Centre for Creative Arts, including our Healing Arts Program. The silent auction will run from September 1st 29th.  The exhibition can be viewed in person at the Centre for Creative Arts or online www.creativecentre.ca.

 

Exhibits on Display:

 

Art Squared Exhibition and Auction

September 1st – 29th

The Centre for Creative Arts, Centre Gallery

This exhibition and silent auction fundraiser features 32 diverse, original creations generously donated by talented local artists. There is some thing for everyone! All funds generated through the silent auction will support programs at the Centre for Creative Arts, including our Healing Arts Program.  The silent auction will run from September 1st 29th.  The exhibition can be viewed in person at the Centre for Creative Arts or online at Art Squared Silent Auction Fundraiser.

 

Birds, Bugs and Blooms Reception

September 1st – 29th

The Centre for Creative Arts, Centre Gallery

This exhibition features work by students of our Healing Arts Program, HAPI. Join us for our opening reception. Meet the artists, enjoy free refreshments, and bring along the whole family to celebrate colorful and creative works of art. HAPI classes help students enjoy positive accomplishment, overcome isolation, build self-esteem, unlock hidden talents, and express themselves through a healthy outlet.  The program is designed to encourage positivity and inclusion. Come out to celebrate our fantastic artists!

 

Powwow! Ohcîwin: The Origins

On view until October 8th

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie

“Powwow! Ohcîwin: The Origins” features 7 Powwow dance styles, with full Regalia and craft work. Curators and creators Patrick Mitsuing and Marrisa Mitsuing have gathered the stories, worked with the Artisans, and carefully built the Regalia for this exhibition organized by the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery. Working with a diverse team of Indigenous Artists from Western Canada and the US they assembled each of the individual dance regalia on display. During the 2019 and 2020 Powwow season, they met with knowledge keepers across North America to record the origin stories of the dances they perform.

Honing this exhibition to represent our specific region, guest curator Fran Rogers-Chowace brings us a collection of work titled Sakâwiy’niwak— People of the Forest (The Woodland Cree). This sub-exhibit creates space for local Powwow dancers and Woodland Cree history to shine, featuring work by local artists, the Traditional Paths’ Society dancers and local elders / knowledge keepers.

*Ohcîwin is a Cree word meaning “The Origin” or telling of a story where something originated.

For more information: https://aggp.ca/exhibitions/powwow-ohciwin-the-origins/

 

Ed Bader: Drawing Conclusions

On view until September 17th

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie

“Drawing Conclusions” is a retrospective exhibition of artist Ed Bader’s drawing practice, spanning over 3 decades of work. Investigating the relationship between the local and global, Bader examines how history, society and culture determine our experience of place and time, utilizing narrative signifiers found in pop culture. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Bader is interested in the performative aspects of queer identity, gender roles and how sexuality impacts our relationship to place. Through the inherent directness and intimacy of traditional drawing methods, Bader’s work reveals metaphysical questions below the surface: a meditation on purpose and the meaning of existence depicted through the life’s work of an artist.

For more information: https://aggp.ca/exhibitions/drawing-conclusions/

 

Weave & Intertwine: Interactive Community Art Exhibition

September 7th – September 30th

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie

“Weave and Intertwine” explores the intricate nuances of weaving as an artform as well as a community practice. Integrating hands-on studio-based learning, exhibition, and interpretive gallery space, “Weave and Intertwine” encourages the interactive exploration of the multi-faceted ancient craft of weaving in a vibrant artistic atmosphere.

At its simplest, weaving involves two sets of threads: the warp and weft. These threads are intertwined with each other to form a fabric or cloth. The weft runs horizontally and is interwoven with the stationary, often vertical, warp. Generally, a device called a loom holds the warp under tension so that the weft can go easily over or under them. Its moving parts separate the warp threads so that the weft threads can be sent across the warp in one movement.

“Weave and Intertwine” invites all community members to share their creativity by adding colours, textures, and patterns to collaborative tapestries for display in an evolving community art exhibition. Enveloped by the exquisitely handwoven cloths from the Saskatoon Lake Weavers, “Weave and Intertwine” shares a refreshing blend of traditional textiles woven by experienced Weavers and contemporary tapestries co-created by new Weavers.

Thank you to all contributing artists for sharing their creativity and inspiration.

For information: https://aggp.ca/exhibitions/weave-and-intertwine/

 

How Does a Moose See the World?

Artworks from the Permanent Collection

On view until November 19th

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie

“How Does a Moose See the World?” is a selection of work from our permanent collection exploring the theme of animals in art. This exhibition celebrates the lives of animals and acknowledges their intrinsic value as beings rather than interpreting their existence from the human perspective, inviting us to see the world of animals from their point of view. “How Does a Moose See the World?” showcases the legacy of Canadian artists and the inspiring animals that have captured their imagination. As we explore these artworks, we are reminded of the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world, and of the need to protect and preserve the habitats of these stunning creatures.

For more information: https://aggp.ca/exhibitions/how-does-a-moose-see-the-world/