CULTURE ACTIVITY GUIDE
SAY HELLO TO THE OLD CHURCH THEATRE
On May 27, 2024, the Okotoks Town Council voted unanimously to change the name of the Rotary Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) to the Old Church Theatre.
Referred to for years as ‘The Old United Church,’ Okotoks has decided to formally adopt a new moniker for our historic performing arts centre.
Built in 1907 as the Okotoks Methodist Church, the Old Church Theatre was the first building in Okotoks to receive heritage designation under the Municipal Heritage Designation Program in 2019.
Prior to becoming an arts and cultural space, 3 Elma Street was the setting for the one of the first United Church congregations in Canada. The Okotoks United Church formed in 1917 – eight years before the nation-wide United
Church of Canada established. For nearly 100 years, the space served the community, witnessing baptisms, marriages, and memorial services. Since 2005, worship music has been replaced by a revolving door of concerts, plays, comedy shows, film screenings, and more!
Established in 2018, the Municipal Heritage Designation Program is designed to provide the tools needed to identify, protect and celebrate Okotoks’ rich and diverse heritage and the processes necessary to ensure the preservation of its historical buildings and landscapes.
The Old Church Theatre is available for rent for public performances and private events such as weddings and birthdays. Visit OkotoksCulture.ca for more information and to book.
GALLERY
Surface All the Way Through Arianna Richardson
In the time I spend crafting with plastic waste material, I work through my own climate-crisis anxiety, each assemblage creating an imaginary, handmade world in which humorous and absurd individual actions can make a difference against the gigantic environmental catastrophe we currently find ourselves in. Using laborious handicraft methods, I mimic the visual language of massproduction completely by hand.
Okotoks Art Gallery Large Gallery
January 18 - March 7
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 18 | 1 - 3 PM
The Investigation
Lori Lofgren
Lofgren’s work is an investigation into common spaces and our emotional perspectives associated with them. Her small-scale sculptures represent the dualities of emotion in relation to environment, scale, and the uncanny. The level of ‘almost’ realism in her sculptures tricks the human eye and explores seemingly every day, common spaces and the people who occupy them.
Okotoks Art Gallery Small Gallery
January 18 - March 7
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 18 | 1 - 3 PM
IMAGE: LORI LOFGREN
IMAGE: ARIANNA RICHARDSON
A Closer Look
David N. Kitler
When a painting captures and freezes a moment in time, it provides the opportunity to study the intricacies involved in movement, with the potential of inspiring admiration for the miraculous feats occurring daily that are often taken for granted. Whether in a foreign land or on the other side of the windows of our homes, nature is a testimony of the beauty of the world we live in.
Okotoks Art Gallery Large Gallery
March 15 - May 2
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 15 | 1 - 3 PM
In Between: Yearning for Home
Ricardo Copado
Copado’s art is influenced by the journey he undertook to leave his homeland and move from Mexico to Canada. His work has been inspired by the scenery, wildlife, traditions, legends, history, and places in Canada while still maintaining a connection to the Mexican roots that nurtured and boosted his creativity for so many years. As a result, Copado’s work is a fusion of both Canadian and Mexican influences with themes related to migration, home, change, renewal, and finding comfort wherever one may be.
Okotoks Art Gallery Small Gallery
March 15 - May 2
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 15 | 1 - 3 PM
IMAGE: DAVID KITLER
MUSEUM
One-Room Schools of the Foothills
The Foothills district had close to 60 one-room schools operating in the first half of the 1900s. Memories and photos help share the history of how these one-room schools shaped the lives of the students who went there. Learn the history behind their unique, descriptive names such as Ballyhamage School, Round Mound School, Uphill School and Last Chance School.
Okotoks Museum & Archives
January 11 - August 30
Second Floor
Snow
Much
Fun – Winter on the Prairies
This exhibit celebrates our passion for winter activities – skating, sledding and catching bobs! Artifacts, photographs and story panels will help show how Okotoks residents kept themselves busy throughout the long winters on the prairies.
Okotoks Museum & Archives
Until March 22
Second Floor
Crown Jewels
We’re putting the museum’s crown jewels on display. These beautiful jewels are actually beautiful glass and porcelain insulators that topped telephone, telegraph and power poles. Learn the colourful history behind these gems.
Okotoks Museum & Archives
February 4 - April 26
Second Floor
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Opening on International Women’s Day, this exhibit honours the Okotoks and area women who have broken the proverbial glass ceiling – whether it has been in politics, business, health, education or armed services.
Okotoks Museum & Archives
March 8 - 29
The Beaver
Main Floor Hall
The beaver became a national symbol of Canada in 1975, however, its importance dates back long before that. This exhibit looks at the environmental, cultural and economic significance of the industrious beaver.
Okotoks Museum & Archives
Second Floor
March 25 - September 30
The Liberation of POWs
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of prisoners of war during World War II. This exhibit shares the remarkable stories of three local men who endured years of unimaginable suffering first in the camps and then on heartless marches until their liberation in April 1945. This exhibit also honours the Okotoks area service men who helped liberate Holland in May 1945.
Okotoks Museum & Archives
April 1 - May 31
Little Moccasins
Main Floor Hall
Up in the Attic
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. Also on display are some of the 215 shoes from the 2021 memorial at the Okotoks Municipal Centre. These shoes are preserved to ensure these children – as well as all children who did not make it home from residential schools – are not forgotten.
Okotoks Museum & Archives
Ongoing
Second Floor
Did you know there is a children’s playhouse in the museum’s attic? Children and their parents/caregivers can enjoy self-directed play including dress-up, books and wooden toys. The playhouse is available during museum hours (except when formal school programs are held). Drop-in or call the museum to ensure availability.
Okotoks Museum & Archives
Ongoing 10 am - 5 pm Free
Please note the Okotoks Museum and Archives will be closed to the public from December 23 to January 4. Winter hours will resume on Tuesday, January 7.
THEATRE
Molly’s Comedy Cabaret
Molly’s Comedy Cabaret is a musical variety show featuring the powerhouse vocals of your new bestie, Molly Wilson. With a splash of comedy, a shot of camp, and a large pour of your favourite songs from Broadway, Pop, Rock, and Motown, the show mixes up a cocktail of deliciously funny entertainment.
Old Church Theatre
Tue Jan 7 7:30 PM $40 advance $50 at the door
Piano Heist
Shocked and appalled by the realization that piano just isn’t cool anymore, friends Nico and Patrick set off on a quest to redeem the keyboard and reinstate its reputation as the greatest instrument of ALL TIME! What ensues is a mishmash of theatrical wonder, comedy, audience participation, heartfelt stories, a pinch of history, and a world of musical madness.
Old Church Theatre
Thu Feb 6 7:30 PM $40 advance $50 at the door
Girls Night Out! with Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl
It’s back! A special night out at the theater with a few extras! Get your girlfriends together for a hilarious night of comedy theatre with Rebecca Perry and her Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl show! Indulge in pre-show drinks, pampering and ladies only activities!
Old Church Theatre
Wed Feb 26 8 PM $40 advance only
*Limited to 100 ladies
Dewdney Players presents: One Act Plays
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.
Old Church Theatre
Mar 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 7:30 PM
$20 advance $25 at the door
SENIOR
$15 advance $20 at the door
Susan Aglukark’s This Child - 30th Anniversary Cross Canada Tour
Join us for an incredible night with a Canadian cultural icon as she reflects on her decades-long career and journey as an Inuk artist. “This Child was my song to my future artist and Inuk self, telling myself to write who you are so you don’t ever forget where you come from, who you are and why you left.”
Old Church Theatre
Wed Mar 26 7:30 PM $55 advance $65 at the door
Còig Trio
With a fiery Celtic style as their musical core, Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen, accompanied by Zakk Cormier, offer a fresh and exhilarating mix of traditional tunes, lively instrumentals and contemporary songs performed on over a dozen. They are the best in trad music, in a non-traditional way.
Old Church Theatre
Fri Apr 4 7:30 PM $35 advance $45 at the door
Yuk Yuk’s on Tour!
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Old Church Theatre
Fri Apr 25 7:30 PM $25 advance $35 at the door
PROGRAMS
FOR REGISTRATION HELP/QUESTIONS
EMAIL culture@okotoks.ca
CALL Okotoks Art Gallery | 403-938-3204
CHILD & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Storytime in the Attic!
Ages 4-10
Join us in celebrating literacy and creativity on the first Saturday of every month with Storytime in the Okotoks Museum & Archives Attic! Our storytellers will read themed books that spark imagination and curiosity before guiding children through a themed craft. Parent supervision required. No program in January.
Okotoks Museum & Archives
First Saturday of the Month 10 - 11 am Free
Feb 1
Celebrate Love
Mar 1 Girl Power!
Apr 5 Stories of Hope
Toddle Down to the Art Gallery!
Ages 1-5
Come down to the Okotoks Art Gallery for a morning of art and fun! Experience the exhibitions as your child enjoys a number of activity and crafting stations. Drop-In or Pre-Register.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Sat Feb 8 10 am - 12 pm $5/ family
Course #22964
Family Pysanka Workshops
Ages 5+
Celebrate Ukrainian art and heritage in this workshop that teaches families how to make Pysanka (Ukrainian Easter Eggs) using a mix of wax, dye, and live flame in a fun and engaging environment with instructor Svitlana Slepykh.
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Sat Apr 12 11 am - 1 pm
Course #22962
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Sat Apr 19 11 am - 1 pm
Course #22963
$25
Children 7 and under are FREE
$25 Children 7 and under are FREE
Art Parties
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Painting without Brushes Ages 5+
Painting using everything EXCEPT paint brushes.
“Simon Says” Art Party Ages 7+
Follow the leader to experiment, draw, paint, and laugh as you create a unique piece of art to take home.
Canvas Painting Ages 8+
Paint night for kids! Pick from a selection of themes, and our skilled instructors will guide your group through recreating their own paintings to take home! Themes include fairy folk, forest friends, Bigfoot, and jungle animals.
Tie-Dye
Ages 8+
Learn the art of tie-dye and create a unique piece of clothing to treasure for years to come!
Enchanted Forest Eco-Art Party
Ages 8+
Create a mixed-media home for gnomes and fairies out of recycled and natural materials.
Museum Parties
Okotoks Museum & Archives
Princess Tea Party Ages 4+
Dress in your fairy-tale best for a whimsical tea party! Arrive dressed up and ready to play princess bingo, drink from china cups, and complete princessthemed crafts to take home, including a friendship bracelet to complete your royal attire.
Pioneer Party Ages 7+
Is your child a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan? In this exciting and educational party, kids will complete traditional crafts like cornhusk dolls, lanterns, or whirligigs, play games, and learn about pioneer days in Okotoks!
Flower Fairies Party Ages 6+
Learn about fairies from all over the world through stories and games before making your own magic wands, fairy houses, and more!
Magical Creatures Party Ages 6+
Get ready to search for dragons, mermaids, centaurs, and more with a mythical-beast themed scavenger hunt! Then head up to the museum’s attic for stories, crafts, and games!
Movie Parties
Old Church Theatre
Celebrate your child’s next birthday Hollywood style! Choose from our list of popular movies to enjoy in our theatre setting all to yourself with just your friends and family.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Studio Drop-in Night for Teens
Ages 12-19
This weekly drop-in invites teens to explore their artistic side in a relaxed and open environment. Whether you’re into painting, writing, or any other art form, our studio is your canvas. Each session offers a structured activity to spark inspiration and guide creativity, but participants are free to follow their own artistic path using our art supplies!
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Wednesdays (except for the first Wednesday of each month) 6 - 8 pm Free
Jan 15 Art Journaling
Jan 22 Canvas Painting
Jan 29 Matchbox Assemblage
Feb 12
Feb 19
Feb 26
Victorian Purse Puzzles
Shrinky Dinks
Surrealist Games
Mar 12 Artist Trading Cards
Mar 19
Terrariums
Mar 26 Air Dry Clay
Apr 9
Apr 16
Motanka
Pysanka Egg Decorating
Apr 23 Eco-Art
Apr 30 May Day Crowns
Portrait Drawing with Ashley Gaboury
Ages 9-18
Join Ashley Gaboury to discover how to effectively use proportion, line, shading and colour to create dynamic drawings of characters from your favorite fandoms; everything from Manga/ Anime to your favorite book or series. Supplies included. Beginners welcome.
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Sat Apr 5 1 - 4 pm $55
Course #23353
ADULT PROGRAMS
OAG Art Club with Christine Walker
Join local artist, Christine Walker, weekly for an art session with friends! Enjoy working on your own project or develop an idea in watercolour, oil, acrylic, or mixed media and receive help with composition, colours, and techniques. This unique class gives participants the opportunity to explore the art world in a fun and supportive environment. Beginners welcome.
Old Church Theatre Thursdays 12 - 3 pm $120
Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 Course #23354
Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 Course #23355
Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 Course #23356
Apr 3, 10, 17, 21 Course #23357
Acrylic Landscape Foundations with Janifer Calvez Ages 16+
In this class, participants will learn foundational acrylic techniques from acclaimed landscape artist Janifer Calvez. Over three evenings, participants will translate these techniques into their own bold landscape paintings. Supply list provided. No experience necessary.
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Tue Jan 21, 28, Feb 4 6:30 - 9 pm $100
Course #23358
Indigenous Beading: Beaded Cabochon Flat Stitch Earrings
Shermayn Menicoche is back by popular demand, and this time around she will lead participants through the process of beading in the creation of their very own beaded cabochon flat stitch earrings. A supply kit is included in the cost of registration.
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Thu Feb 20 5:30 - 9:30 pm $50
Course #23361
Masterclass: Papercutting with Svitlana Slepykh
Ages 16+
Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Ukrainian papercutting in our specialized masterclass! Discover the history and symbolism behind intricate designs as you learn techniques passed down through generations. Create your own stunning artwork while embracing the cultural heritage of this unique craft. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this hands-on workshop will elevate your skills and inspire your next masterpiece.
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Sat Mar 15 12 - 5 pm $25
Course #23359
Adult Pysanka Workshops
Ages 15+
Join Svitlana Slepykh in a hands-on workshop using a mix of wax, dye, and live flame to create unique pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs). Pysanky is not just a craft; it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and creativity passed down through generations. Each egg tells a story, with patterns and motifs reflecting the maker’s wishes and beliefs.
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Sat Apr 12 1:30 - 4 pm $25
Course #22960
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Sat Apr 19 1:30 - 4 pm $25
Course #22961
Exploring Modern Watercolours with Ashley Gaboury
Ages 13+
Do more with your watercolours from trying unique grounds to making monoprints and “ghost” prints using watercolours. Be inspired by GOLDEN Artist Educator Ashley Gaboury to create one-of-a kind textural paintings. This workshop is a great way to loosen up with watercolors and ignite and reaffirm your love for the medium. All supplies included.
Okotoks Art Gallery & Studio
Sat May 3 1 - 4 pm $50
Course #23360
IMAGE: ASHLEY GABOURY
EVENTS
BOOM by Rick Miller
BOOM (Part 1, 1945-1969)
100 VOICES | 25 YEARS | 1 MAN
An explosive solo performance that documents the music, culture, and politics that shaped the Baby Boom generation. Rick Miller takes us through 25 turbulent years—from the first atomic bomb in 1945 all the way to the Apollo 11 landing on the moon in 1969—and gives voice to over 100 influential politicians, activists, and musicians. It’s a mindblowing experience for audiences of all generations and, with over 400 performances already, a hit in Canada, the USA, France, and Taiwan! A Kidoons and WYRD Production, in association with The 20K Collective
Viking Rental Centre
Fri & Sat Feb 28 & Mar 1 8:00 pm
$50 Front seating
$40 Back seating
Acoustic Nights
The Okotoks Arts Council and the Town of Okotoks invite you to another season of Acoustic Nights at the Old Church Theatre. Bring your musical instrument for a night of music and comradery. Acoustic Nights offer a safe place to learn and play, and sing and enjoy. Open to all ages and levels of ability.
Old Church Theatre
Tues Jan 21 Feb 4
Feb 18
Mar 11
Mar 25
April 1
April 15 7 - 9 pm Free
Veterans Wall Guided Walk –Vimy Ridge
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.
Okotoks Museum and Archives
Wed Apr 9 11 am - 12 pm Free
Earth Hour Guided Walk
Learn the history of our town and some of the old (and new) ways Okotoks residents practiced environmental sustainability during this free guided walk to celebrate Earth Hour. Meet at the Okotoks Museum and Archives.
Okotoks Museum and Archives
Sat Mar 22 8:30 - 9:30 pm Free
Okotoks