Art Days Lethbridge 2024 is now underway. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Month-long Art Days Lethbridge festival underway

Sep 5, 2024 | 8:52 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – People in Lethbridge are celebrating the local arts scene.

The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC) is hosting the 2024 Art Days Lethbridge, which runs from September 5-28.

AAC Executive Director Jana MacKenzie says the festivities coincide with Alberta’s Month of the Artist.

“Arts Days is a cornerstone of the Allied Arts Council’s annual programming, providing the opportunity to highlight our thriving and ever-evolving arts community. The support we receive from our local, provincial, and federal partners enables us to present this series of inclusive and accessible events,” says MacKenzie.

She continues, “Together, we are fostering an environment where creativity flourishes, and where the arts continue to enrich the lives of everyone in our community.”

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The full schedule of events, as provided by the AAC, are as follows:

Downtown Lens & Sounds

September 5 – 21

Downtown Lens, an annual mural project facilitated by the AAC, will see artists and local businesses collaborate to transform downtown Lethbridge into an outdoor gallery. From September 5 to 7, artists will paint murals on the windows of participating businesses, adding color and creativity to the downtown core. This initiative not only supports artists with a paid opportunity but also enhances the visibility of local businesses.

Complementing this, Downtown Sounds will bring live street performances to mural sites, creating a dynamic arts experience for all visitors.

Casa Gallery Opening

Saturday, September 7, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Celebrate the opening of several exhibitions at Casa, featuring works by renowned artists in various gallery spaces:

• Main Gallery: Stranded by Nicholas Wade; Human Relations/Carceral Culture by Don Gill
• Passage Gallery: Imaginary Racetracks by Emily Metherel
• Platform Project Space: Work by Serene Weasel Traveller
• Project Space: Emergent Materialisms by Nicole Riedmueller
• Concourse Gallery: Hotel Room Art/New General Catalogue by Melissa Fry
• Saokitapi Gallery: Niitoyis (Home) – Matthew Provost
• Focus Gallery: Jazz, Exposed – Donna Kroeger

People in the Window Celebration

Friday, September 13, 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Join us at Rotary Square to commemorate the 10th anniversary of David Hoffos’ public art piece, People in the Window. Often unnoticed, this piece has left a lasting impact on those who have experienced it. Hoffos will be unveiling a secret new site-specific intervention in Rotary Square.

Experience BILOCATION- and ask yourself: “Which is the one who watches?” The evening will feature live music by ADEQUATE, refreshments from the AAC bar, and pizza from Art & Craft Pizza.

AiR Julia Forrest Artist Talk and Open House

Saturday, September 21, 7:00 p.m.

Meet Brooklyn-based artist Julia Forrest as she discusses her work in film and darkroom prints. This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into her artistic process and explore her exhibit at Casa.

Big Band Bop

Saturday, September 21, 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Bring the family for a lively evening of music and dance at Rotary Square! The Lethbridge Big Band will provide the tunes, and Bridge Swing Community will teach you how to dance.

Participate in the 1 lb clay challenge, view the work of Julia Forrest, and enjoy food from Beau’s Barria & Taqueria Food Truck.

Orange Shirt Day

Sunday, September 22, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Join us in the Casa Community Room to create your own orange shirt in recognition of Orange Shirt Day. This family-friendly event will include a screen-printing activity with a design by artist Kylie Fineday, storytelling sessions by Debbie Kelman and Evelyn Crow Shoe Kelman, and refreshments. Materials are provided.

Keeping it Reel Film Festival

September 27 – 28

Rounding out the month is the Keeping it Reel Film Festival, featuring a selection of films that highlight diverse voices and stories. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting event.

More events can be found at YQLarts.ca

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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