Residents are being invited to help turn the Chestermere Public Library into a community portrait during Alberta Culture Days.
Chestermere in Colour is a collaborative visual-arts project asking participants to create a canvas inspired by their cultural identity and their own understanding of celebration. The completed works will be displayed together at the library, allowing individual experiences to become part of a broader picture of the community.
Canvas packages and project instructions became available at the library Aug. 25. Participants may work independently or register for one of two open studio sessions scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16.
A youth studio begins at 4:15 p.m., followed by an adult session at 6:30 p.m. The studios provide dedicated space for participants to develop their pieces alongside other community members.
Completed artwork must be delivered to the library by 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. The public exhibition opens Wednesday, Sept. 23, with a reception scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m., and remains on display through Oct. 21.
Artists may retrieve their work from Oct. 22 through Oct. 26, according to the library’s published fall schedule.
The project coincides with Alberta Culture Days, the province’s annual September celebration of arts, heritage, diversity and community spirit. Events are presented by organizations across Alberta to make cultural activities accessible and encourage public participation.
Chestermere in Colour gives residents an opportunity to share something meaningful about their backgrounds without requiring them to tell their stories in words. Displaying the canvases as one exhibition also highlights the range of experiences and traditions found within the city.
Participation details, studio registration and library hours are available through the Chestermere Public Library. Because canvas supplies and studio space may be limited, interested residents should contact the library before beginning their work or attending a session this September.