Town of Okotoks
Culture Activity Guide
Image: Bryan Faubert
Winter 2024
Don’t miss these events in December, 2023! Winter Birds with Ashley Gaboury Saturday, December 2 | 1 to 4 pm $50 (Supplies included) | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Course #19849
Card-Making: Watercolour Poinsettia Monday, December 4 | 6:30 to 8:30 pm $40 (Supplies included) | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Course # 19846
Heebee-jeebees Christmas!
Wednesday, December 6 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm $30 in advance, $40 at the door | Rotary Performing Arts Centre
An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit Until December 22 | 10 am to 5 pm Okotoks Museum and Archives
Spirit of Christmas Art Market Until December 22 | 10 am to 5 pm Okotoks Art Gallery
Tree of Warmth
Until December 9 | 10 am to 5pm Okotoks Art Gallery
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Visit www.okotoksculture.ca for details.
Image: Ashley Gaboury
Table of Contents 01
December 2023 Events
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Table of Contents
03 - 04 Upcoming Exhibits @ Okotoks Art Gallery 05 - 06 Upcoming Exhibits @ Okotoks Museum and Archives 07 - 10 Upcoming Performances @ Rotary Performing Arts Centre 11
Family Programs
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Teen Programs
13 - 16 Adult Programs 17 - 18 Calendar of Events
*Please note that all event dates and times are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at okotoksculture.ca.
Image: Underwood Typewriter Keys 1944
Winter 2024
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OkotoksArt ArtGallery Gallery Okotoks @ the Station
On Exhibit MaSh-UP X: Where the Big Rock Is Bryan Faubert
January 13 to March 23 | Large Gallery MaSh-UP is a mixed media installation wherein all the interdisciplinary methods that I utilize in my art practice come together and collide, responding to specific locations. The work is ever changing as I add, discard, or alter parts. I create an additive progression that references the durational nature of the project that builds its own history and narrative through its inventory. Each viewer puts the cues together in a manner which resonates with them and in such a way that this experience allows them to touch something timeless, beyond themselves, ethereal and transient. I provide the terrain of possibilities; the viewer decides which will be explored, finding trace experiences, and creating a new understanding through reflection, reflexivity, and contemplation amid the cacophony of organized chaos.
What You Do To My Body (and Mind) Debbie.Lee Miszaniec
January 13 to March 23 | Small Gallery “visions of sugarplums danced in their heads…” Just in time for the post holiday new years resolution season, Debbie.lee Miszaniec presents a lush abundance of dutch baroque inspired still life paintings of ‘forbidden foods’ in the Okotoks Art Gallery. The exhibitions focuses on the psychological struggle between the body’s needs and the mind’s direction when pursuing weight loss. A soft sculpture, tortured by these sweet sights, sits caught in the struggle between nature and diet culture. Debbie.lee Miszaniec is an Alberta artist working in Calgary. She holds a BFA (2008) from the Alberta University of the Arts. Her paintings draw from her observations of the human experience, history and society as well as her own experience as a working class western female artist. Opening Reception for both exhibits: Saturday, January 13 | 1 to 3 pm
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Image: Debbie.Lee Miszaniec
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Okotoks Art Gallery
On Exhibit Mother Tongue/Ehts’o Ket’a Bruno Canadien April 6 to June 22 | Large Gallery The paintings within this series draw on and celebrate the legacy of Madeline Canadien, Rita Coats, and Mary Elsie Canadien specifically, and other practitioners of Dene and Metis floral artwork generally, in beadwork, tufting, embroidery and quillwork. In creating this dialogue with Dene Art and his matriarchs, Bruno Canadien chose to use the language and medium he knows not simply to reproduce beautiful floral designs, but to discuss dichotomies within our contemporary existence and relationships, within our colonized land and bodies.
Emerging Places: Visions Unveil Ricardo Copado April 6 to June 22 | Small Gallery My artwork is influenced by nature and the environment around me. Often, I become fascinated and intrigued by objects or elements in my surroundings. As I think about these elements in depth, they get incorporated into my subconscious and imagination until they ultimately appear in my art. What appears is the element transformed in a surreal way that is influenced by what is happening in my surroundings and the larger world around me. It is difficult to separate the feelings, emotions and challenges I am going through from the art I create. Therefore, when I create a piece of art, it often depicts an ongoing theme, or inspiration that is ruminating inside of me at that time. Although I create my artwork as a form of self expression, the viewer can often relate what they are seeing in my work to common themes in their own life. Opening Reception for both exhibits: Saturday, April 6 | 1 to 3 pm Image: Liza | Bruno Canadien
Winter 2024
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Okotoks Museum & Archives
On Exhibit Okotoks Upper and Lower Schools January 13 to August 31 | Second Floor
The Upper School was located up on top of the hill and taught the upper grades and the Lower School was located below the hill and taught the lower grades. This exhibit features memories from staff and students of the two schools. Among the treasured artifacts on display are school rings, report cards and autograph albums.
Little Moccasins Ongoing | Second Floor
The 2014 documentary film, Little Moccasins, shares the story of St. Joseph’s Residential School, also known as Dunbow Residential School northeast of Okotoks, and honours the children who died and are buried at the school.
An End to Prohibition! May 1 to July 4 | Second Floor
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of prohibition in Alberta. On May 10, 1924, Albertans could once again raise a glass and drink a pint after eight long, dry years. This exhibit shows the impact prohibition and the end of prohibition had on Okotoks.
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Image: 1955 Okotoks High School ring
Okotoks Museum & Archives
On Exhibit Rich in Resources
February 17 to April 27 | Second Floor The Okotoks district is rich in natural resources. This exhibit focuses on the lumber, coal, brick and oil industries that helped build our community, and highlights some of the unique characters who worked in them.
Guided Tours International Women’s Day Friday, March 8 | 11 to 12 pm | Free
On International Women’s Day, we salute the 13 women from Okotoks who served with the armed forces in World War II. Learn about their stories during this free guided tour of the Salute to Our Veterans Wall. Meet at the wall located on Veterans Way.
Earth Hour Walk Saturday, March 23 | 8:30 to 9:30 pm | Free
Join Kathy Coutts and members of Okotoks Sustainability for a guided walk of downtown Okotoks. You will learn the history of the town and also some of the old (and new) ways Okotoks residents have practiced environmental sustainability. Meet at the Okotoks Museum and Archives.
Veterans Wall Tuesday, April 9 | 2 to 3 pm | Free
Learn about the brave men from the Okotoks district who fought at Vimy Ridge in 1917. Meet at the Salute to our Veterans Wall located on Veterans Way.
Image: Jack “Duckie” Welch, oilfield worker
Winter 2024
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Rotary Performing Arts Centre (RPAC)
Upcoming Performances Always… Patsy Cline
Wednesday, January 17 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm $40 in advance, $50 at the door
Created and Directed by Ted Swindley – based on a true story.
“Always… Patsy Cline” is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. It is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan who befriended the star until her death. Complete with live band down-home country humour and true emotion, the show includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight … over two dozen songs in all.
Dewdney Players presents: Henry V
January 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm General $20 in advance, $25 at the door | Senior $15 in advance, $20 at the door Henry V: The Battle For France is the stirring tale of two kingdoms at war. Translated from the original Shakespearean into modern English, this retelling features duels, battles, tragedy, comedy and heroism, showcasing the realities of medieval warfare. Led by Peter Duke in his directorial debut and produced by Katie Fournell, the cast of Henry V is excited to bring a wide range of characters to life this winter.
Online ticket sales available at okotoksculture.ca
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Image: Always… Patsy Cline
Rotary Performing Arts Centre (RPAC)
Upcoming Performances Yuk Yuk’s on Tour!
Friday, February 23 | Doors 7pm, show 7:30pm $20 in advance, $30 at the door Headliner: John Cullen MC: Johnny Pogo Featuring: Erin Wood
Chris Funk – The Wonderist Sunday, March 3 | Doors 1:30 pm, show 2 pm Adults $20 | Children $10 (in advance only)
Chris Funk’s Redefining Wonder is an engaging and visceral multimedia experience that has audiences talking and scratching their heads for years to come. Chris tells his story on how he integrated his love for music and magic in a show unlike any other. Whether it’s a violin concerto to a magical dancing sheet of music to impossibly suspending various instruments on stage, his show is in a league of its own. The live-feed camera and interactive videos bring audiences up onstage and into the action, delivering a show that family audiences can call their own. From NBC’s America’s Got Talent, CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us & Masters of Illusion, FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen and Syfy’s Wizard Wars, his unique approach to magic has garnered him performances at Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood, Mandalay Bay, Rio, and Tropicana casinos as well as residencies at Disney. In addition to his own touring, Chris has starred in major touring magic productions Masters of Illusion LIVE. Chris’ show has garnered standing ovations and a reputation for excellence.
Online ticket sales available at okotoksculture.ca
Image: Chris Funk – The Wonderist
Winter 2024
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Rotary Performing Arts Centre (RPAC)
Upcoming Performances Dewdney Players presents: One Act Plays March 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 & April 1 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm General $20 in advance, $25 at the door | Senior $15 in advance, $20 at the door A One Act Play is a play that has only one act, instead of several acts, but may consist of one or more scenes. The origin of the one act play may be traced to the very beginning of drama: in ancient Greece, Cyclops, a satyr play by Euripides, is an early example.
The Carolines
Friday, April 5 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm $30 in advance, $40 at the door The Carolines are led by three Alberta singers, whose repertoire leaves no doubt about their love of old-time classic country music. Their humour is infectious, and when they commence to singing, you’ll be tapping your toes and singing along to all the old familiar tunes by Patsy Cline, Buck Owens, Trio, the Dixie Chicks and more. With clever arrangements and spine-tingling harmonies, they breathe new life into the old songs, and put an authentic old-time spin on the contemporary tunes. In the band’s TEN years together they have become the sweethearts of many Alberta festivals, music venues, folk clubs and house concerts.
Online ticket sales available at okotoksculture.ca
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Image: The Carolines
Rotary Performing Arts Centre (RPAC)
Upcoming Performances Suzie Vinnick
Thursday, April 18 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm $30 in advance, $40 at the door A Saskatoon native transplanted to the Niagara Region of Ontario, Roots and Blues singer Suzie Vinnick is a 3X Juno Nominee, CFMA Award winner, and an 11-time winner of the Maple Blues Award for songwriting, female vocalist, acoustic act and more. Suzie has a voice you’ve heard a thousand times and one you’ll never forget. It soars, it growls, it whispers and it shouts from a deep, deep well of emotion. The pure joy she exudes when she picks up that guitar is so worth the show. Suzie has toured nationally with Downchild, Stuart McLean’s The Vinyl Café, the John McDermott Band and she performed for Canadian Peacekeepers in Bosnia and the Persian Gulf. She was also the voice of Tim Horton’s for 5 years. She released her seventh solo album entitled “Fall Back Home” in September 2022.
Dewdney Players presents: Hansel & Gretel
April 26, 27 & May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm General $20 in advance, $25 at the door | Senior $15 in advance, $20 at the door Charlotte Chorpenning has taken the Grimm Brothers’ story and given it a poetic beauty that brings a value to its young audience. Her treatment of the stepmother does not accent the cruelty – an outlook important today. The evil witch is portrayed as a comedy character, but the teaching value is there – teaching through a comedy device rather than fear. Hansel and Gretel’s safe return to their father and mother gives the children a sense of security.
Online ticket sales available at okotoksculture.ca
Image: Suzie Vinnick
Winter 2024
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Family Programs Toddle Down to the Art Gallery! Saturday, February 24 | 10 am to 12 pm $5/family | Okotoks Art Gallery
Come down to the Okotoks Art Gallery for a morning of fun. Experience the exhibitions as your child enjoys a number of activities and crafting stations. Recommended ages 1 – 5. Space is limited. Pre-Registration recommended.
Parent & Tot Yoga in the Gallery Tuesday, April 16 | 9:00 to 9:45 am $5 | Drop-in or Pre-Register | Okotoks Art Gallery
Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly yoga class for parents & children under 5!
Family Museum Scavenger Hunt Saturday, April 27 | 10 am to 5 pm FREE | Drop-in | Okotoks Museum & Archives
Join us at the Okotoks Museum & Archives for a rousing scavenger hunt! An excellent opportunity to explore current exhibitions in an engaging and accessible way! Scavenger hunts are fun for the whole family!
Register for courses at activeokotoks.ca
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Image: Toddle Down to the Art Gallery
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Teen Programs Modern Graffiti Drawing Saturday, February 10 | 1 to 4 pm $55 | Ages 10-18 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
This one-day intensive workshop uses graffiti technique and style to make your illustrations stand out! Using street-art as inspiration, participants will explore colour theory, inking, and marker blending techniques featuring alcohol-based markers and Posca-style paint markers to make your sketches pop off the page. All supplies included.
Punk, Passion, Power: Creating Riot Grrrl Zines Friday, March 8 | 4 to 6 pm $10 | Ages 13+ | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join us on International Women’s Day in celebrating the Riot Grrrl legacy and channeling its rebellious spirit into your own DIY Zines! Unleash your creativity, embrace your inner activist, and be part of a movement that continues to inspire change and foster creativity.
Wearable Art
Saturday, March 16 | 1 to 4 pm $55 | Ages 10-18 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Join Ashley Gaboury as she takes you step-by-step through the process of using fabric paints effectively to create one-of-a-kind designs. This class is great for those who want to create their own custom clothing/footwear or who want to enhance their individual style. Teen and adult level. (*Mature Pre-Teens welcome). Beginners welcome. Most supplies included.
Image: Ashley Gaboury Modern Graffiti
Winter 2024
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Adult Programs The Art of Assemblage Thursday, January 25 | 5 to 8 pm $15 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
This workshop will introduce participants to the curious world of assemblage and found art through several projects that alter, distort, and reimagine recycled materials. Participants are encouraged to bring “junk” from home to use in the workshop, however supplies are included in the cost of registration.
Romantic Revival: Typewritten Love Letters and Victorian Purse Puzzles Thursday, February 8 | 5 to 7 pm $10 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Transport yourself to a world of refined romance and artistic expression in this one-of-a-kind workshop. Create memories that will last a lifetime as you craft typewritten love letters and delve into the enchanting world of Victorian purse puzzles. Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and cherished keepsakes.
Register for courses at activeokotoks.ca
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Adult Programs Basic Bookbinding with Spisherbocker Books Tuesday, February 20 | 3 to 5 pm $40 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
In this workshop, led by Erin Whaling, proprietor of Spisherbocker Books, participants will learn a variety of bookbinding styles including concertina books, pamphlets, and sewn hardbacks. Participants will come away with two finished projects well-suited for journaling, scrapbooking, and sketching.
Handpainted Collage Saturday, March 2 | 1 to 4 pm $110 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join Calgary-based mixed media collage artist Stacey Walyuchow in this workshop that combines paint and collage to offer a surrealist look at every day life. Do you have a photo of a loved one that you would love to make into an artistic portrait? This workshop will allow you to create a timeless heirloom portrait using unique mixed-media techniques.
Register for courses at activeokotoks.ca
Image: Stacey Walyuchow, Pieris Napi
Winter 2024
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Adult Programs Paint Night!
Friday, March 22 | 7 to 9 pm $50 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Join Joyce Nseya for a night of vibrant colours and fun as she guides participants through painting a bold mountain landscape in acrylics. All supplies included. Beginners welcome.
Needle-Felted Mushrooms Saturday, April 13 | 10 am to 4 pm $100 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join fibre artist Heather Orton as she walks you through creating a whimsical mushroom sculpture out of raw felt. Supplies included.
Register for courses at activeokotoks.ca
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Image: Joyce Nseya
Adult Programs Linocut Printmaking: Alberta Wildflowers Saturday, April 20 | 1 to 4 pm $50 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Learn the basics of linocut printmaking by creating your own stamp featuring Alberta Wildflowers before printing a series of notecards!
Sew Sustainable: Mending Clothes in the Age of Fast Fashion Monday, April 22 | 7 to 9 pm $30 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join us in honouring Earth Day by turning worn garments into treasured pieces. Learn essential techniques for repairing and revitalizing your clothing to increase their lifespan and keep textiles out of landfills. Registration includes a mending kit to take home.
Register for courses at activeokotoks.ca
Image: Linocut Printmaking
Winter 2024
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A P R I L JANUARY
Jan 4 Jan 11 Jan 13 Jan 13 Jan 12-13 Jan 16 Jan 18 Jan 18-20 Jan 25 Jan 25 Jan 25-27
OAG Art Club: January OAG Art Club: January Art Gallery Exhibits Open Museum exhibit opens Dewdney Players presents: Henry V Always…Patsy Cline OAG Art Club: January Dewdney Players presents: Henry V The Art of Assemblage OAG Art Club: January Dewdney Players presents: Henry V
Rotary Performing Arts Centre (RPAC)
Programs
* See Okotoksculture.ca for details
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Okotoksculture.ca
FEBRUARY
* * PG 3 PG 5 PG 7 PG 7 * PG 7 PG 13 * PG 7
Okotoks Art Gallery
Feb 1 Feb 8 Feb 8 Feb 10 Feb15 Feb 17 Feb 20 Feb 22 Feb 23 Feb 24 Feb 29
OAG Art Club: February OAG Art Club: February Romantic Revival Modern Graffiti Drawing OAG Art Club: February Museum exhibit opens Basic Bookbinding OAG Art Club: February Yuk Yuk’s on Tour! Toddle Down to the Art Gallery! OAG Art Club: February
Okotoks Museum & Archives
* * PG 13 PG 12 * PG 6 PG 14 * PG 8 PG 11 *
Calendar of Events January to April 2024
MARCH
March 2 Handpainted Collage PG 14 March 3 Chris Funk –The Wonderist PG 8 March 7 OAG Art Club: March * March 8 International Women’s Day Tour PG 6 March 8 Creating Riot Grrrl Zines PG 12 March 14 OAG Art Club: March * Mar 14-16 Dewdney Players presents: One Act Plays PG 9 March 16 Wearable Art PG 12 March 21 OAG Art Club: March * Mar 21-23 Dewdney Players presents: One Act Plays PG 9 March 22 Paint Night! PG 15 March 23 Earth Hour Walk PG 6 March 28 OAG Art Club: March *
APRIL
April 4 OAG Art Club: April * April 5 The Carolines PG 9 April 6 Art Gallery Exhibits open PG 4 April 9 Veterans Wall Tour - Vimy Ridge PG 6 April 11 OAG Art Club: April * April 13 Needle-Felted Mushrooms PG 15 April 16 Parent & Tot Yoga in the Gallery PG 11 April 18 Suzie Vinnick PG 10 April 20 Linocut Printmaking: Alberta Wildflowers PG 16 April 22 Sew Sustainable PG 16 April 25 OAG Art Club: April * April 26-27 Dewdney Players presents: Hansel & Gretel PG 10 April 27 Family Museum Scavenger Hunt PG 11
Image: Footbridge over Sheep River with Okotoks Seed Cleaning Plant, 2010.
Winter 2024
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Okotoks Art Gallery 53 North Railway Street Okotoks, AB
Okotoks Museum & Archives 49 North Railway Street Okotoks, AB
Rotary Performing Arts Centre (RPAC)
3 Elma Street East Okotoks, AB
Crescent Rd E
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Like us on Facebook! @HeritageOkotoks Follow us on Instagram! @Okotoks_Culture
Poplar Ave
Old Towne Square
Lineham Ave
Daggett
Maple St
d Pl
Alberta Ave
McRae St
Clark Ave
Veteran’s Way
Elizabeth St
Gloron
Winter Hours Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm Sun, Mon and holidays Closed Contact P: 403.938.3204 E: culture@okotoks.ca
Winter Hours Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm Sun, Mon and holidays Closed Contact P: 403.938.8969 E: culture@okotoks.ca
Contact P: 403-938-3204 E: culture@okotoks.ca
For more information about the Town of Okotoks Programs, Culture and Heritage, please visit our website at okotoksculture.ca Our mailing address is: PO Box 20, Station Main Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1K1
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