“Not only is this a wonderful piece of artwork that complements the modern artwork already present at city hall, but it also helps beautify our wonderful main street”
Community involvement is one of the key ingredients in the City of Airdrie’s art and culture action plan. Watch for ways to participate in and celebrate the many forms of art in our city this fall, and throughout the year as these activities continue to grow.
Free visual arts workshops
CARFAC (Visual Arts Alberta) is a provincial organization that specializes in providing educational opportunities for local and regional artists to help develop their artistic practice in a professional way. CARFAC will be in Airdrie on Sept. 10 and 24 to provide free workshops which are open to everyone, especially local artists. These workshops will focus on finding opportunities to advance your art practice and engage with your community and audiences. Be sure to register at: bit.ly/2Lt9cNM
Lunchtime theatre on the lawn
Looking for more live theatre in your life? Local theatre groups have taken to the stage on the lawn at city hall to showcase their talent this summer and fall. A special performance of the Torchlight Theatre Spark youth camp was presented in August. On Sept. 26, join us for another live theatre lunch on the lawn beginning at 12:30 p.m. where Airdrie actor Kim Cheel will take us through an all-ages tour of Airdrie’s history. Don’t forget to bring your lunch and a lawn chair. These performances are free for the community and will be held inside city hall in the event of poor weather.
Poetry in Motion
Hop on an ICE bus this fall to read the literary works of the Airdrie Public Library’s Poetry in Motion summer contest for youth. Winning entries will be displayed on panels inside the buses through the month of October. In addition to their publically displayed poetry, winners also receive an iPad. For more information visit: airdriepubliclibrary.ca/Teen/Teen-Programs/Poetry-in-Motion
Alberta University of the Arts Harold Weiss public art unveiling at city hall
In the spring of 2019, the City of Airdrie accepted a public art donation from the Alberta University of the Arts, formerly the Alberta College of Art and Design. The work of art is an untitled metal sculpture created by Harold Weiss, who won a third-year sculpture competition with the piece in the 1970s at the Alberta College of Art.
Many Airdrie residents who have attended concerts at the Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary may be familiar with the sculpture as it was a fixture along the walkway to the Jubilee for close to half a century.
Upon accepting this gifted artwork, Airdrie City Council and Administration worked with a committee of community members to determine where it would be placed, and ultimately the group decided on a location in front of city hall.
“Not only is this a wonderful piece of artwork that complements the modern artwork already present at city hall, but it also helps beautify our wonderful main street,” says Keely Brower, a community member and part of the location selection committee.
A community event to officially unveil the piece is scheduled to take place during Alberta Culture Days the last week of September. Alberta University of the Arts staff, alumni and students are invited to attend as well as the entire Airdrie and regional community.
Keep up to date on all the art and culture activities happening throughout the city this year at: airdrie.ca/artandculture
Photo Credit: iStock
