Town of Okotoks Culture Activity Guide
Image: Stephen Strand
Winter 2023
Did you know?
The Okotoks Peace Poles, located near the footbridge, are part of an estimated 250,000+ peace poles in countries around the world that serve as monuments to peace. This internationallyrecognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family each hold message May Peace Prevail on Earth. In Okotoks, our 15 peace poles contain this phrase in 48 languages – with more expected in the future – that represent the ethnic diversity of our community.
The World Peace Movement started in the mid 1950s with the first peace pole installations occurring in the early 1980s. Planting a peace pole is a way of bringing people together to inspire, awaken and uplift the human consciousness the world over.
Our peace poles are made of regionally sourced lumber, salvaged from the historic Lineham Lumber Company barn. The barn stood about 200 metres west of this site from when it was constructed in 1897 to when it burned down in 2015. The Lineham Lumber Company was a mainstay of the Okotoks economy for 25 years.
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Table of
Winter 2023 2 Image: Sinéad Ludwig-Burgess
01 Did you know? 02 Table of Contents 03 - 04 Upcoming Exhibits @ Okotoks Art Gallery 05 Upcoming Exhibits @ Okotoks Museum and Archives 06 Guided Tours with Okotoks Museum and Archives 07 - 08 Calendar of Events 09 - 12 Upcoming Performances @ Rotary Performing Arts Centre 13 - 14 Family Programs 15 - 16 Child/Teen Programs 17 Adult Programs 18 December 2022 Events *Please note that all event dates and times are subject to change.
most
information, please visit our
Contents
For the
up-to-date
website at okotoksculture.ca.
Okotoks Art Gallery @ the Station
On Exhibit
The Embodied Self
Sinéad Ludwig-Burgess
January 14 to March 31 | Large Gallery
“The Embodied Self” will showcase a series of mixed media sculptures that represent universal experiences relevant to the human condition, such as emotional awareness and the unfolding of the human consciousness. The sculptures in this series act as an allegory of the human spirit embodying perseverance and strength that also question what it means to embody, “wholeness”, emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Sinéad Ludwig-Burgess works and resides in Calgary, AB, predominantly creating sculptures that consist of welded steel and mixed media.
HYPERRADIAL
Laura Payne
January 14 to March 31 | Small Gallery
“HYPERRADIAL” is an immersive time-based installation comprised of a mapped animated form projected over a painted surface. The radial form references the premise of the fourth dimension in multiple facets. While depicting three dimensional folds and light sources that defy principles of realism, the shape also mimic the concentric mapping of time observed in geology and dendrochronology (study of trees). As an electronic light installation, the piece also alludes to natural light phenomena observed in nature. The resulting installation resembles a portal into another dimension.
Opening Reception for both exhibits: Saturday, January 14 | 1 to 3 pm
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Image: Laura Payne
On Exhibit
The Keepers
Patricia Lortie
April 15 to June 23 | Large Gallery
“The Keepers” uses the forest as a visual metaphor to explore concepts of self and community.
The forest, which appears to be composed of autonomous entities - the trees or the self - is in fact an interdependent community. This observation is the basis for Lortie’s reflection on our own sense of individual and collective identity. The sculptures, made of recycled cardboard, are reminiscent of trees both in their size and in their vertical curvature. The video projection introduces humans in that environment. They pass through the forest without leaving a trace - highlighting the ephemeral nature of our existence. Each body represents the self; the wave they form represents a community.
Western Canada Landscapes
Stephen Strand
April 15 to June 23 | Small Gallery
This collection of art is of the everyday scenes of Western Canada. Strand has always been a fan of landscapes and colourful pieces; in this exhibit, he has combined the two together to create his unique artwork.
Opening Reception for both exhibits:
Saturday, April 15 | 1 to 3 pm
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Image: Patricia Lortie
Okotoks Museum & Archives
On Exhibit
Teachers Rule!
January 10 to June 30 | Second Floor
It was not easy being a schoolteacher in the early days of Okotoks. This exhibit shares the trials and triumphs of some of the early teachers who taught in the Okotoks area as well as fond and some not-so-fond memories from their former students.
Home is Where the Heart is
January 10 to April 20 | Main Floor
The building that houses the Okotoks Museum and Archives has been home to many families. This exhibit will profile a few of its early residents as well as celebrate the heart of the home – the kitchen and the living room – where families gathered for good food and good company.
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.
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Image: Okotoks Lower School teacher Ethel Rhine, 1949
Okotoks Museum & Archives
Guided Tours
Earth Hour
Saturday, March 25 | 8:30 pm
Earth Hour Downtown Tour | Meet at the museum | Free Don’t spend the hour in the dark at home, come learn about the history of our community during a walk around downtown Okotoks. You will also learn some of the old (and new) ways Okotoks residents have practiced environmental sustainability.
Veterans Wall
Sunday, April 9 | 2 pm
Veterans Wall Tour (Vimy Ridge) | Meet at the wall on Veterans Way | Free Learn about the brave men from the Okotoks district who fought at Vimy Ridge in 1917.
Keep an eye on our website and social media for additional guided tours of the wall and other historic tours of Okotoks.
Winter 2023 6 Image:
Downtown Okotoks, 1962
APRIL JANUARY
FEBRUARY
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Jan 5 OAG Art Club PG 15
Jan 14 OAG Exhibit Opening PG 3
Jan 18 Introduction to Watercolours PG 17
Jan 27 Yuk Yuk’s PG 9
Jan 30 Imagination at the Station Art Club PG 14
Feb 9 Cassie & Maggie PG 9
Feb 21 Colourful Winter Landscapes PG 17
Feb 23 Indigenous Beading PG 15
Feb 25 Watercolour Pet Portraits PG 16
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Calendar of Events
January to April 2023
MARCH APRIL
March 3 Tribute to Elton John PG 10
March 4 Toddle Down to the Art Gallery PG 13
March 9 Dave Gunning & JP Cormier PG 10
March 9 OAG Art Club PG 15
Mar 23-25 Dewdney Players: One Act Plays PG 12
March 25 Earth Hour Guided Tour PG 6
March 27 Imagination at the Station Art Club PG 14
Mar 30-31 Dewdney Players: One Act Plays PG 12
April 1 Pysanka – Family PG 13
April 1 Dewdney Players: One Act Plays PG 12 April 6 Pysanka – Adult PG 17
April 9 Veterans Wall Tour PG 6
April 15 OAG Exhibit Opening PG 4
April 20 Ribbon Skirts PG 16
April 21 David Vest PG 11 April 22 John Rutherford PG 11
Programs
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Upcoming Performances
Yuk Yuk’s
Friday, January 27 | Doors 7 pm, Show 7:30 pm | $22.08 in advance
Headliner - Todd Ness
Todd has quickly become one of the top stand up comedians in Canada. His ability to deliver smart, funny and original material earned him a prestigious spot on Canada’s largest comedy radio program, CBC’s Laugh Out Loud. He is also the winner of Yuk Yuk’s 2014 funniest comedian competition which featured a starting roster of over 100 comedians.
MC Steve Taddy
Steve’s carefully crafted jokes take an eccentric world view, examining a variety of topics from family life and animals, to a deep disdain of pseudoscience. Steve’s comedy challenges the audience to question why the world is how it is, and how it’s possible he’s managed to have a successful marriage.
Featuring Bryan Moxon
Bryan is a comedian who started touring across Western Canada shortly after beginning his comedic quest. You may recognize him from the short film entitled ‘Berlin Castro’ which premiered at the Calgary International Film Festival in 2020.
Cassie & Maggie
Thursday, February 9 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm | $32.61 in advance
Nova Scotian sisters Cassie and Maggie have been lighting up the world with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic instrumentals and vocals. Appearing on stages across North America, the UK, and Europe the sisters have enchanted audiences far and wide with lively fiddle, piano and guitar arrangements, stunning sibling vocal harmonies in both English and Gaelic, all complemented by their intricate and percussive step dancing style.
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Image: Cassie & Maggie
Upcoming Performances
A Musical Tribute to Elton John
With Rob Skeet as Cyril Tenjohn and featuring the Husky Tower Band
Friday, March 3 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm $32.61 in advance
This Vegas-style show has been selling out venues for over 4 years. Join Rob and the band as they take you on a 50+ year musical journey of Elton John’s greatest hits as well as some deep tracks you may not have heard. All the glasses, all the costumes, ALL the feathers! Rob’s voice, energy and storytelling will transcend you back in time to experience Elton at the height of his career.
Photo Credit: Mackenzie Jefferies
Dave Gunning with JP Cormier
Wednesday, March 15 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
$32.61 in advance
Two of Canada’s greatest roots singer-songwriters have finally done what everybody’s wanted — heck, what they’ve wanted — for years. Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier are releasing their first album together, called Two. Great friends, frequent collaborators, co-writers and touring partners, the pair has been talking about this album since pretty much the day they met. Now it’s here, and it’s everything fans hoped and dreamed it would be.
The album is called Two because that’s what it is, just the two of them. Two is as real as it gets. Two songwriters, interpreters, guitar players, and singers at their peak. It’s the power of the song, the highest quality from the past to the now. It’s two friends, brothers, uncompromising performers, making the album of their lives. There couldn’t be a better time to discover Gunning & Cormier, and the power of two.
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Online ticket sales available at okotoksculture.ca
Image: Dave Gunning & JP Cormier
Upcoming Performances
Roots & Blues Weekend
$53.67 for both shows (in advance only)
David Vest
Friday, April 21 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
$32.61 in advance
They don’t make them as real as David Vest anymore. Long revered as one of the great boogie-woogie piano players, he’s the son of an Alabama sharecropper, but he’s also a Fulbright Scholar and award-winning poet. He grew up in genuine juke joints and tells amazing stories that really bring the blues to life. Along the way, he played with many blues greats, from Big Joe Turner to Jimmy T99 Nelson. A six-time winner of Canada’s Maple Blues Award for piano player of the year, he’s the living embodiment of that classic Fats Domino line: “Clap your hands and stomp your feet, you got to move when you hear that beat.” A songwriter of the year nominee, Vest has had his tunes recorded by artists ranging from Downchild to Tammy Wynette.
John Rutherford
Saturday, April 22 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
$32.61 in advance
Songwriter, storyteller and blues guitarist, John Rutherford has a long running association with the Okotoks music and arts community contributing to the programming and artistic direction of the RPAC season’s annual Roots & Blues series. With the arrival of a new recording it seems appropriate to launch the long awaited project as part of the 2022/2023 Roots & Blues weekend in Okotoks. Rutherford is an award winning blues guitarist with a studied interest in the history and culture of the music he has been immersed in most of his life. His new writing and recording explores his great passion for the people, the artists, the records and the places where the music lives and breathes. Join us to celebrate the release of John’s new work.
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Image: David Vest & John Rutherford
Upcoming Theatre
Dewdney Players presents: One Act Plays
March 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 & April 1 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
General $22.08 in advance
Senior $16.82 in advance
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.
Dewdney Players presents: TBA
May 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
General $22.08 in advance
Senior $16.82 in advance
Watch for updates on our website and social media for more information!
Online ticket sales available at okotoksculture.ca
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Image: Dewdney Players
Family Programs
Toddle Down to the Art Gallery!
Saturday, March 4 | 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 activity and crafting stations.
Recommended ages 1 – 5. Space is limited. Pre-Registration recommended. Course #18293
Pysanka – Family
Saturday, April 1 | 10 am to 12:00 pm
$25 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Learn about the Ukrainian tradition of decorating eggs while creating your own using a combination of wax, pysanky dye and live flame - just in time for Easter!
Recommended ages 5+.
Note: Children 7 and under are FREE and do not require registration. Course #18298
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Pysanka Workshop
Child Programs
Imagination at the Station Art Club: Learning to Draw
(Ages
6 – 12)
Mondays, Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 27, Mar 6, 13 | 4:30 to 6 pm
6 Classes | $120 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join local artist, Meredith Wilson, for weekly art club! In this session, we will develop our drawing skills using everything from pencil, to charcoal, to pencil crayons. Subject matter will span from realism to cartoons, but otherwise be guided by students. Takehome sketchbooks will also be provided. Our final class, we will showcase our creations for family and friends in a special art show! Note: No class on Monday, Feb. 20. Course #18306
Imagination at the Station Art Club: Painting
(Ages
6 – 12)
Mondays, Mar 27, April 3, 17, 24, May 1, 8 | 4:30 to 6 pm
6 Classes | $120 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join local artist, Meredith Wilson, for weekly art club! In this session, we explore painting, using a variety of painting mediums including watercolour, acrylic, gouache, and imitation encaustic. Subject matter will be guided by medium and students. In our final class, we will showcase our creations for family and friends in a special art show! Note: No class on Easter Monday, April 10. Course #18307
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Image: Imagination at the Station Art Club - Clay
Register for courses at activeokotoks.ca
Teen / Adult Programs
Watercolour Pet Portraits with Ashley Gaboury
Saturday, Feb 25 | 1 to 4 pm
$50 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to paint your pet with watercolors and capture your pet’s unique personality this is the class to take. Join GOLDEN (& QoR) Artist Educator Ashley Gaboury for this mini-class and she’ll show you how to create one-of-a-kind keepsakes of your four-legged family members. Have fun exploring watercolors and pen & ink using a variety of techniques. All supplies included. Beginners welcome. Adult/ Teen. Course #18295
Mixed Watermedia – Florals and More
Saturday, May 13 | 1 to 4 pm
$50 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join GOLDEN (& QoR) Artist Educator, Ashley Gaboury as she guides you to paint colorful watermedia florals and more! Loosen your artistic style with this intuitive approach to art making. Discover how to paint with creative flair, let the paint flow and use an array of fun texturing techniques. All supplies included. Beginners welcome. Ages 11 – Adult. Course #18296
OAG Art Club
Thursdays, Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 | 1 to 4 pm | Course #18304
Thursdays, Mar 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 20, 27 | 1 to 4 pm | Course #18305
8 Classes | $240 | Rotary Performing Arts Community Room
Join local artist, Christine Walker for a weekly art session with friends! Enjoy time to work on your own art project or develop an idea and receive help with composition, colours, and techniques. Beginners are welcome. Please note: Both sessions will come with an opportunity to showcase your artwork in the ORC Art in the Hall space.
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Image: Watermedia Floral by Ashley Gaboury
Adult Programs
Indigenous Beading with Angela Bear Chief - Earrings
Thursday, Feb 23 | 6 to 8:30 pm
$40 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Angela Bear Chief will lead participants through the process of beading in the creation of their very own dangly earrings. All supplies included. Ages 15+. Course #18300
Ribbon Skirts with Angela Bear Chief
Thursday, Apr 20 | 6 to 9 pm
$80 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join Angela Bear Chief in the making of your own custom ribbon skirt. Ribbon skirts are historical and traditional clothing that honor Indigenous heritage. It is also a symbol of resilience, sacredness and survival and can be worn anytime as well as for formal occasions. Instructions will be presented throughout the class along with an explanation regarding why the skirt relates to Indigenous girls and women. Basic sewing machine is needed, or contact the Gallery for information on sewing machine rentals. All other supplies included (fabric, ribbons, elastic). Ages 15+. Course #18302
Indigenous Beading with Angela Bear Chief - Wristlets
Thursday, May 25 | 6 to 8 pm
$40 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Angela Bear Chief will lead participants through the process of beading in the creation of their very own wristlet. All supplies included. Ages 15+. Course #18301
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Image: Ribbon Skirts by Angela Bear Chief
Adult Programs
Introduction to Watercolours
Wednesdays, Jan 18, 25, Feb 1 | 6:30 to 8:30 pm
3 Classes | $100 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join local artist, Christine Walker, in learning the basics of painting with watercolour painting and applying watercolour washes. You will develop your skills from class to class, gaining confidence in this beautiful medium. Ages 16+.
Course #18303
Colourful Winter Landscapes with Janifer Calvez
Tuesdays, Feb 21, 28, Mar 7 | 6:30 to 9 pm
3 Classes | $135 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Join local artist, Janifer Calvez and inject some colour into our winter landscape! Janifer Calvez is well known for the creative, colourful, and sometimes whimsical way she captures the beauty of our landscapes – even in the depths of winter! In this class, you will learn some foundational techniques with acrylic paints, building upon your skills weekly, in the creation of your very own colourful winter scene. A supply list will be provided.
Course #18299
Pysanka - Adult
Thursday, Apr 6 | 6:30 to 9
$25 | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Enjoy an evening of learning about the Ukrainian tradition of decorating eggs while creating your own using a combination of wax, pysanky dye and live flame - just in time for Easter! Ages 15+.
Course #18297
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Image: Colourful Winter Landscapes with Janifer Calvez
Mark your calendar for these fun events in December, 2022!
Visit okotoksculture.ca for details.
Winter Wonderlands with Ashley Gaboury
Saturday, December 3 | 1 to 4 pm
$50 (Supplies Included) | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Course #17395
Concino Chorus with special guests The Classical Guitar Society of Calgary Community Orchestra presents: Be of Good Cheer
Saturday, December 3 | Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm $22.80 in advance | Rotary Performing Arts Centre
Christmas Ornaments: Miniature Masterpieces
Friday, December 9 | 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | Course #17399
Saturday, December 10 | 1 pm to 3 pm | Course #17400
$40 (Supplies Included)| Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Family Crafts at the Theatre
December 9-11, and 16 -18
Free | Drop-In | Rotary Performing Arts Centre
Goodger Pink Family Theatre presents: CSI: Cinderella’s Story Investigated
December 9 | Preview Night $8.39
December 10, 11 & 16, 17, 18
Adults $16.82 in advance | Child $11.55 in advance
Family Pass in advance $43.14 | Rotary Performing Arts Centre
Owl Be Home for Christmas: Needle Felting with Amanda Tanner
Saturday, December 17 | 10 am to 3 pm
$70 (Supplies Included) | Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Course #17397
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Okotoks Museum & Archives
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
more
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*For
information about the Town of Okotoks Programs, Culture and Heritage,
website at okotoksculture.ca Our mailing address is:
Box 20, Station Main Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1K1
53 North Railway Street Okotoks, AB 49 North Railway Street Okotoks, AB 3 Elma Street East Okotoks, AB
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