National Council on Public History Conference, call for proposals

From April 17 – 20, 2013, the National Council on Public History will meet at the Delta Ottawa City Centre, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Canada for the National Council on Public History Conference. The program committee invites panel, roundtable, workshop, working groups and individual paper proposals for the conference. The theme is ‘Knowing your Public –The Significance of Audiences in Public hHstory’. Submissions are welcome from all areas of the field, including teaching, museums, archives, heritage management, tourism, consulting, litigation-based research and public service. Proposals may address any area of public history especially submissions which relate to the theme. Sessions are 1.5 hours (working groups may be longer); significant time for audience discussion should be included in every session. Please visit the National Council on Public History website at www.ncph.org for details about submitting your proposal.
The deadline to submit your proposal is July 15, 2012.

All questions and inquiries can be directed to;

Michelle A. Hamilton
Director of Public History
The University of Western Ontario and Northern Development Canada
Mhamilt3@uwo.ca

Or;
Jean-Pierre Morin
Treaty Historiam
Aboriginal Affairs
Jeanpierre.morin@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca

Alive with Culture: A post from local blog 'Middle Age Bulge'

Posted by Russell Thomas today at 6:30am on his blog: Middle Age Bulge

My band teacher from high school retired a couple of days ago. Mr. Wenner posted the news on Facebook and stories and memories began pouring in from his former students stretching back to the early 1980s. So, music ensembles had already been on my mind as Theresa Wells and I met with Arndis Bildfell from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to talk about the celebration of culture coming up this weekend.



We found out that the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) would be coming north a few months ago at a Council meeting, thanks to the generosity of a number of different companies including City Lumber, Enbridge, Syncrude and Worley Parsons. They would be joined by an amazing traveling exhibit from the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) at an event planned for June 3rd at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island....


To see the entire post please visit Russell's blog: http://www.middleagebulge.com/2012/05/alive-with-culture.html

Ribbon Cutting at Composite High School

Graffiti Abatement Mural Project

Ribbon cutters from left to right:Deputy Mayor Phil Meagher, student 
body representative Penny Chun, mural artist Wil Yee, Composite
High School Principal Graham Abbott, and Constible Jones

This morning we hosted our official ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the first Municipal Public Art mural project. The sixteen by sixty-two foot mural was completed over the duration of two weeks. The artist, Wil Yee created the artistic concept, composition and executed the work on the exterior wall between May 14 and May 29th. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors and partners on this project:  the Public School Board, Composite High School, Aluma Systems, the RCMP, the Municipality's Parks, Beautification and Culture work units and all the local and provincial media that help provide coverage for this project. 

A special thanks go out to  Deputy Mayor Phil Meagher, Loraine Demers, Graham Abbott, Constible Jones, Penny Chun, Ken Wills, Ana Maria Mendez-Barks, Christian Villacillo, Echo Schmidek, Jillian MacDonald and of course Wil Yee! The effort and support that you've put into this project has made it a wonderful success, thank you so very much.

Below are a few pictures from this mornings ribbon cutting, if you would like more information about this mural, project or Wil Yee please visit the municipal website by clicking here.

Above: Culture Coordinator Connor Buchanan welcomes 

attendees and introduces Deputy Mayor, Phil Meagher  

Deputy Mayor Phil Meagher discusses the mural, community

identity/pride, and the merit of legal street art.

Close up of the ribbon cutting team

Wil giving Wallace Snowdon from Mix 103.7 an interview

Near the end of the morning, a few attendees stick around
to consider the work and meet the artist

From Left to Right: Wil Yee, Connor Buchanan and Jillian MacDonald
goof around a bit and canoe with Composite miners, Mike and Molly

Puttin' on the Ritz: 2012

The Fort McMurray Social Dance Club is hosting its annual gala, "Puttin' on the Ritz" on June 2 at the Golden Years Activity Centre.

Join us for a night of dinner, performances and dancing. Doors open at 6pm.

Tickets are $50.00. Call 780.215.8677 to reserve your tickets.

*Less than 10 tickets left

Almost finished: Composite High School Public Art

Wil's mural is almost complete, as you can see in the following images he has been working very hard over the last two weeks to bring this work of art from concept to fruition. If you have time tomorrow morning please come by Composite High School's back wall (access through the track, and/or from the back of the Syncrude Sport and Wellness centre) and join us for the official ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am, that's Tuesday May 29th at 10am

For more information about this project, the artist or the ribbon cutting please call: 780.788.4349 or visit the Municipal website by clicking here.

2012 Social Prosperity's Learning Conference

Register now for the 2012 Social Prosperity Learning Conference

Thursday, June 7, 20128:00 am - 5:30 pm MacDonald Island Park, Fireside Room
Who should attend: Community leaders from the nonprofit sector, government and industry who want to help make Wood Buffalo a socially prosperous community.

Participants will learn about:
Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo's plans and how you can get involved!
Social Innovation and how it can bring about transformational change, presented by Social Innovation Generation, University of Waterloo
Why Capacity Building is such an important strategy in building effective organizations, presented by Cathy Brothers, Executive Director-in-Residence, Capacity Waterloo Region
The link between Social Prosperity and Community Economic Development
What the University of Waterloo is doing in Wood Buffalo (you’ll be surprised!)

2012 Learning Conference Schedule.pdf

Cost: The $360 cost is being waived thanks to the generous support of the Suncor Energy Foundation

Registration includes all meals and snacks for the day as well as a late afternoon cocktail reception with special guest Feridun Hamdullahpur, President of the University of Waterloo.

Register Now! Space is limited and there are less than 40 spaces remaining

For more information please visit: http://www.socialprosperity.ca/2012-learning-conference

McMurray Aviation - Open House on May 26

OPEN CALL FOR: ORIGINAL 2D ARTWORKS

The MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery presented by Kirschner Family Corporation will be hosting a group exhibit for the month of August 2012 with the theme WATER: exploring possibilities.

This group exhibit will feature two dimensional artworks that explore the theme of water in any form (liquid, solid, vapour), location (rivers, lakes, rain, glaciers, snow, tears) and in various interpretations or conceptual connections.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION
There is no entry fee for the Water Exhibit. All two dimensional mediums, sizes and styles are welcomed. Artists living in the regional municipality of Wood Buffalo will be given first preference for a spot in this group show. There will be a limitation of one work of art per artist. Artwork to be dropped off and picked up by the artist at designated times.

The MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery is committed to being all inclusive, to respecting the experience, creativity and talent of all visual artists, to challenging artists to grow and develop, to developing the public’s appreciation for visual art and to recognizing and encouraging both emerging, experienced and professional artists.

ARTWORK SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA

Applications must be received electronically by July 10 , 2012

Deadline for receipt of entries by emailing the following requirements to anamaria.mendez@macdonaldisland.ca

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Applicants must make a self-declaration as either “student”, “emerging artist”, or “established or professional artist”. 
2. All pieces must be original, not copies or prints are allow 
3. All artwork must be dry and ready to hang. 
4. All pieces must be framed and signed (stretched canvas on a frame is acceptable if it have finished edges). 
5. High Resolution digital copy/picture of your submission 
6. Your name as you would like it to appear in the catalogue 
7. Your biography (max 100 words) 
8. The title of your work 
9. The medium of your work (oil, watercolour, collage, acrylic, mixed media, printmaking, photography, etc.) 
10. The dimensions of your work 

SELECTION PROCESS:
July 16, 2012 - Artists will be notified by e-mail of selection to exhibit and told when to drop their work off at the gallery.

Artwork will be chosen by a volunteer committee with various levels of curatorial training.
It is the artists’ choice to list a piece of artwork for sale, or not. The price and all arrangements for the sale must be managed by the artist.
Artists are responsible for making arrangements to drop-off and pick-up their artwork at the designated times and place. Because the gallery has no storage space, artwork cannot be stored. 

Any artwork not claimed by the artist by the designated time, or alternate time arranged in advance with the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery, will be deemed donated to our annual charity sale – with all proceeds going to a designated charity or non-profit organization.

SECURITY AND LIABILITY
Basis security measures are in place (periodic patrols by guards, security cameras, safety hooks), but exhibits will NOT be supervised at all times. The gallery is located in a public facility and is a designated fire escape route. The gallery is equipped with sprinklers. All possible care will be taken to keep artwork in the same condition as it was when delivered to the gallery, but neither MacDonald Island Park nor MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery can guarantee this and cannot accept liability for loss or damage to artwork. Each artist will be required to sign a waiver in order to exhibit their work in the gallery. Each artist is responsible for securing INSURANCE for their artwork.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: anamaria.mendez@macdonaldisland.ca

Public invited to check out graffiti mural project at Composite High School

Residents are invited to drop by and see the creation of a very special mural at Composite High this weekend, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo announced today.

The mural is being painted on the back exterior wall of Composite High School by professional street artist Wil Yee as part of a graffiti abatement project.

“This initiative serves the two fold purpose to prevent graffiti and beautify a neighbourhood with public art,” said Mayor Melissa Blake. “Not only is it a great way to brighten our community, but I appreciate the fact that it engages our young people, and shows them a positive way to express themselves.”

The project is the result of discussions at the October 2011 Community Art Session. Participants expressed a desire to see public art projects in Wood Buffalo that address graffiti issues. The initiative is being led by the Municipality’s Beautification and Culture Work Units in partnership with the Fort McMurray Public School District, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Municipality’s Parks Services and Aluma Systems.

“Composite High School had a real problem with graffiti during the 2010/2011 school year. So much so, that it cost them nearly $32,000 to repair the damage,” said Beautification Co-ordinator Jillian MacDonald. “Creating programs like this, that includes students in the process shows them there is a legal way to participate in street art. We look forward to working with more youth on dynamic projects like this in the future.”

Work on the mural began on Monday, May 14 and will continue through the weekend. The final product will be unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday May 29th at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend the event.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Jillian MacDonald

Beautification Coordinator

780-788-4349

Matthew Harrison

Communication Dept.

780-788-4364

CENTRESTAGE hosted by McMurray Girl

McMurray Girl is putting some of our most fabulous Fort McMurray females on stage and bringing some of our most worthy causes up front and centre!


CENTRESTAGE is Fort McMurray's first Glam Woman's Gala which will combine the ritzy fun of paparazzi photo booths, fascinators and delicious couture dining with an inspirational on-stage panel featuring our mayor and seven noteworthy Fort McMurray females.  We'll add in botique silent auction shopping, champagne, live performances and top it off with the first ever McMurray Girl Awards!


This event will take place on May 31,2012 at the Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre.  Tickets are $150 plus $10 service fee.  The ticket price includes full event admission with a gourmet dinner service and treats.  Tickets are available at the Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre and Chocolates & Candlelight.


Proceeds will go to a local woman's cause - supporting the Fort McMurray Family Crisis Society's campaign to build a brand new Woman's Shelter!


For more information take a look at this website: http://mcmurraygirl.com/centrestage/

Arts Council Wood Buffalo

We are very proud to announce the formation of Arts Council Wood Buffalo. This is a
community-based non-profit corporation set up by the arts community at the request
of her Worship, Mayor Melissa Blake, to work with regional arts organizations to
strengthen and promote the arts in the region.


An Interim Board of Directors has been established to guide the organization through
its initial stages with a fully representational Board being elected in September 2012.
Interim Board members include Chair, Ken Chapman with the Oil Sands Developers
Group, David Whitelock with Events Wood Buffalo, Ana Maria Mendez, Cultural
Coordinator with MacDonald Island Park, artist and President, Wood Buffalo Artists
Forum, Jenny Berube, Accountant and art lover, Christine Burton, community
advocate and artist, Bryan Jackson, artist and Suncor manager.


"At this point, the Arts Council needs to focus on reaching out to all regional arts
organizations, understanding their needs, and developing a strategic plan to support
and develop the arts in our community," explains Chair, Ken Chapman. "We have had
to hit the ground running, however." states Chapman, "We have a number of projects
on the table already. These include starting discussions with Keyano College to explore collaboration opportunities for learning and the arts, working with the Fort McMurray Airport Authority to include art in the new airport terminal, working with Social Prosperity on understanding the needs of arts organizations and developing a public art policy for presentation to Regional Council." "Our project list shows how critical it is to have an organization that can represent and advocate for the arts and arts organizations in our community", says Chapman.


Board member, Christine Burton states "it is a good time to form an Arts Council. We
have a vibrant and growing visual and performing arts community that needs to be
supported and promoted. By bringing all arts organizations together, we are creating
a powerful voice for the arts. We know from examples around the world that support
for the arts creates communities people want to live in. That is what we want to do
here - imagine the possibilities and then make them real."


For media inquiries, please contact:


Ken Chapman
Arts Council Wood Buffalo, Chair
780-790-1979 (office)
1-780-990-8559 (cell)

Volunteer with Write Break Adult Literacy Program

Write Break Adult Literacy Program is recruiting volunteers from the community to work with adults learners.  The learners are working on basic literacy skills; reading, writing, English as another language. Pairs are asked to commit to 2 hours per week and they meet at Holy Trinity Community School, Keyano College or the Public Library. Training, materials and tutor support are provided for the volunteers.  There is no cost to the learner.

To volunteer or for more information please contact 780-791-8943.

Here are a few more pictures taken yesterday May 23rd of Wil's progress, and also below you can find an article about Wil and his mural from the local Fort McMurray today paper (thank you Amanda!)

Art to preempt graffiti at high school

Calgary-based artist paints mural on wall of Composite High School

By Amanda Richardson

Posted 1 day ago

Fighting graffiti with art, the municipality recently commissioned a large piece of art to adorn the back wall of Composite High School, a popular piece of real estate for local taggers and vandals.

Calgary-based artist Wil Yee was brought in after a successful application proved he was not only a talented artist, but knew and understood the unique history of the region.

“It’s just about incorporating the textures of the land and the critters into the piece,” explained Yee.

After learning of the art proposal, Yee took to the Internet to research the region, taking time to incorporate the region’s namesake animal, the famed Peter Pond, and Composite’s two miner mascots.

“This is our first public art commission for the municipality,” said Connor Buchanan, culture co-ordinator with the municipality. “We assisted the Beautification work unit because they have a graffiti abatement program. Our municipality spends money cleaning up and wiping out graffiti, just like so many cities around Canada, and internationally. Many municipalities have introduce new programs that  allocate money to public art commissions from their Graffiti Abatement budgets, in essence taking the amount of money that would be put towards cleaning up graffiti and putting it into a commissioned piece of public art, because it has the same effect."

“So by putting a beautiful piece of public art up that the community, and in this instance, the school has ownership over, will hopefully abate people from tagging, because this wall on Composite High School gets tagged a lot.”

Jillian MacDonald, beautification co-ordinator with the municipality, says the region has a team dedicated to graffiti cleanup between April and October each year, even putting summer students to work on the time consuming project.

The municipality spent more than $50,000 last year on graffiti abatement projects and removal, and while tagging and graffiti is a problem all throughout Fort McMurray, the Composite wall is a particularly troublesome spot.

“Composite also had to deal with removal of graffiti on the wall we are painting on,” said MacDonald. “It became a problem wall and during the 2010-11 school year, they spent nearly $32,000 cleaning it up.”

MacDonald says a major deterrent for graffiti taggers is the level of community engagement in the piece.

“It was a way to engage youth in graffiti abatement in a way that wasn’t telling them, ‘No, no, no,’ all the time,” she explained. “So we thought it would be really awesome to get a street artist up that could do a mural with them.

“It’s about being proactive and getting students involved, showing them that there is an actual profession in street art and that they don’t have to go around tagging people’s property illegally. They can get in and hone their craft like amazing artists like Wil.”

Yee says he hopes his piece, and the amount of community participation that went into it, will help youth and adults alike understand that street art and graffiti-style art doesn’t have to be done illegally.

“I worked with the City of Calgary on a few graffiti abatement projects, just to try and create a bridge between the community and the participants to do go about and do graffiti or vandalize property. It’s about creating that awareness that there is an outlet for creative expression, as well as repercussions if it hurts the community,” explained Yee.

“It’s such a huge, huge honour to have this wall and get to work on it with the community and the students. For me, it’s a truly unique and fun experience.”

The mural will be unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday at 10 a.m. on the backfield at Composite High School, and McMurrayites are encouraged to go down and check out the piece and chat with the mind behind the brush while Yee finishes clutter his work this weekend.

amanda.richardson@sunmedia.ca

Individual tickets for Nexen CanadaROCKS 2012 on sale May 25

Fort McMurray, AB, May 23, 2012 – Individual tickets for Nexen CanadaROCKS 2012 will be released to the public on Friday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Individual tickets were originally slated to be made available on June 1, but timelines have been adjusted to better serve the public as the three-day musical celebration of Canada’s birthday approaches, said David Whitelock, Executive Director of Events Wood Buffalo.

“We want to ensure that people have the opportunity to enjoy Canada Day weekend and experience this diverse lineup of Canadian talent,” said Whitelock. “The weekend takes us from coast to coast and is truly a representation of what this country has to offer.”

Tickets can be purchased via canada-rocks.com or at MacDonald Island Park Guest Services, located on the first floor of the Suncor Community Leisure Centre.

The lineup for Nexen CanadaROCKS is as follows:
Friday, June 29: Joel Plaskett Emergency and Hey Rosetta!
Saturday, June 30: K’naan and Classified presented by Mix 103.7 FM with post-concert Canada Day fireworks
Sunday, July 1: Blue Rodeo and Corb Lund with very special guests Doc Walker presented by Country 93.3 FM

“We expect a truly festive atmosphere at the Island with such a great lineup taking the stage at Nexen CanadaROCKS,” said Tim Reid, Chief Operating Officer at MacDonald Island Park. “Whether you’re looking to hear iconic classics from Blue Rodeo or an international star like K’naan, the weekend will be a special one.”

A limited number of VIP boxes are also still available. For more information contact Nadia Power at npower@eventswoodbuffalo.com or Tracey Lewis at tracey.lewis@macdonaldisland.ca.

Nexen CanadaROCKS 2012 is co-presented by Events Wood Buffalo and MacDonald Island Park.

For more information:
Adam Hardiman
Coordinator, Communications
MacDonald Island Park Corporation
780-791-0070 ext. 5060
780-713-8313
adam.hardiman@macdonaldisland.ca

Brea Burton
Marketing & Communications Manager
780.791.1600
www.eventswoodbuffalo.com

2012 June Bug Children's Festival

Good Afternoon,

The HUB Family Resource Centre is very excited to announce the 3rd annual June Bug Children’s Festival being on Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, 10th at MacDonald Island Park. I have attached a copy of the news release and event poster for your review and distribution. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly at 780.791.7110, extension 2.

Thank you,

We look forward to seeing you and your family at the June Bug!

Jillian Smith
Director of Community Development
The HUB Family Resource Centre
10020 (b) Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, Alberta
T9H 2K6 

P. 780.791.7110 ext. 2
F. 780.791.7898
C. 587.645.1465

Timberlea Site:
#6 - 118 Millennium Drive
P.780.743.9225
F. 780.743.8516

www.thehubfrc.ca

Dancing with the Stars Wood Buffalo 2012

Our dance competition is modeled after the reality TV phenomenon that is "Dancing with the Stars" as guests enjoy fabulous entertainment, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and of course dancing on Saturday, May 26th, 2012 in the ballroom at the Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre.

Support local stars competing for your votes to win the title and raise funds in support of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

For more information please visit: http://dancingwiththestarswb.ca/wp/

To purchase tickets by phone please call 780-790-6627.

Metis Fest 2012

Fort McMurray Metis Local 1935 is very pleased to announce that we will be hosting our Third Annual Metis Fest on Friday, May 25, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. We would like to invite you to take part. 

The day will be filled with exciting and interesting Metis theme-based activities centered around:

• Cultural entertainment
• Interactive participation in cultural activities
• Games, arts & crafts
• Food and refreshments
• History
• Educatoin & membership information

This will be a rain or shine event. There will be campfires, jigging, fiddling, moose calling, games and traditional Metis Cuisine. Dress comfortably for the occasion and the weather. Please park at the Sawridge Conference Centre and shuttle across to the Metis grounds.

Our goal is to engage youth and our community, both Metis and non aboriginal, so that our history is passed on to the next generation. We are anticipating you will be able to join us for a fun filled day rich in Metis culture, cuisine and games.

If you would like any additional information please contact 780-743-2659 or Carla Cooper, Events Coordinator at the following email address: events1935@fortmcmurraymetis.org.

Or visit the website: http://www.fortmcmurraymetis.org/metis-fest-2011/

Wil Yee: Mural Update

Hello everyone, 
I had the pleasure of working with Wil this weekend on the public art mural that he is creating on the back wall of Composite High School. Here are a few pictures of the project to date, please be sure to swing by Comp next Monday morning at 10 am to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

In the Above image: Composite High School, Graffiti Abatement Mural: Image taken on May 17th, 2012. You can see the grid system that Wil has painted on the brown wall to help guide his work

 Composite High School, Graffiti Abatement Mural: Image taken on May 22nd, 2012 

This image features a section of the left side of the mural, you can see the waves, bottom of the canoe and the figure of Molly the miner is just visible near the top of the image.

In the Above image: Composite High School, Graffiti Abatement Mural: Image taken on May 22nd, 2012. This picture was taken from on the scaffolding pointing down towards the ground. This captures the letter 'M' from 'Miner Pride'.

To see more of Wil's work please visit his website: www.wilyee.com 

or for more info about this project and his proposal please visit our municipal site by clicking here.Below is the draft sketch that will is using as a base for his final work. You can see how the elements of the mural are derived from the sketch but are evolving as the artists works.

Centre d'Accueil presents a Mulitcultural Day featuring Family

On Saturday, May 26 at Suite 100, 312 Abasand Drive there will be a Multicultural Day featuring Family.  This event is being hosted by the Centre d'Accueil et d'Etablissement of Fort McMurray.  This is a free activity.

For more information please contact 780.750.7779.

May 26, 2012: Full Moon Cafe

Thank you FMC friends for joining us in April! We have two more FMC dates this season at Waterways Community Hall.

May 26 - Featuring expectant Moms, current Moms, Step Moms, and Grand Moms 

June 23- (Solstice weekend) - Featuring --- SUMMER

7:30 pm Drum Circle
All ages and Talents Welcome

Health, hope and happiness.

FMC

http://fullmooncaf.blogspot.ca/

La Traviata, The Met, and Live Master Vocal Classes with the Edmonton Opera

Edmonton Opera will be offering a Master Vocal Class at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts on Sat., June 2nd from 2:30-3:30 pm. The general public is welcome and encouraged to attend this exciting event. Sponsored through their outreach program, this is free of charge.

They will also be opening for "La Traviata", The Met: Live in HD encore performance on June 2nd, beginning at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Box Office or by phone at 780-792-0012 ext. 2.

Please spread the word and we hope to see you there!
--
Loraine Humphrey
Manager
Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts
at Holy Trinity High School
780-792-0012 ext. 6453

Upcoming Events
Bella Voce! A Night of Beautiful Voices - May 17th
Anne of Green Gables, A Musical - May 25-27
The Met: Live in HD "La Traviata" - June 2nd

Fiddle Legends Come to Fort McMurray

On Sunday May 20, 2012 @ 7:00 pm Canadian the Scott Woods Band is coming to the Fort McMurray.

The show will take place in the Royal Canadian Legion for more information or for ticket sales please call: 780-743-2329 or toll free at:1-855-726-8896.

The Scott Woods Band travels extensively throughout Canada each year helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for churches, charities and other community organizations. The show changes twice every year to a brand new theme so there's always something new to see.

Scott combines his masterful playing ability, a wonderful sense of humour and an incredibly talented group of musicians and puts it all together into a top notch fiddle variety show that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.Bring your family and friends and join us for some toe-tapping fun, lots of laughs and some good old tunes. We'll put a song in your heart, a bounce in your step and a smile on your face. Get your tickets early though as many of the shows sell out well in advance of the concert date.The above information was taken from: http://www.scottwoods.ca/

Wood Buffalo Alive with Culture Community Celebration

ABOUT FACE Art Exhibition Opening and Community Celebration
Sunday June 3, 2012
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery (FREE)

Art Gallery of Alberta presents 17 two-dimensional framed works that examine questions of identity from the perspective of First Nations artists. AGA Staff will be hosting art workshops with a community art piece creation and family friendly take-away projects exploring portraiture, place and identity.

Pops Concert Devoted to the music of Ray Charles featuring Ellis HallSunday June 3, 2012
7:00pm
Nexen Field House at MacDonald Island Park
 Tickets:
$20 each
Children under 12 - Free

Tickets are available May 1, 2012 at the MacDonald Island Box Office; in person, by phone or online

All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Fort McMurray Family Crisis Society

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra presents a musical celebration that engages the full orchestral ensemble in addition to multi-instrument virtuoso, dynamic vocalist, and Ray Charles’ protégé, Ellis Hall, performing hits including Georgia on My Mind, Hit the Road Jack, Let the Good Times Roll, and Unchain My Heart. They will be joined by local dancers from Fort McMurray’s Generation Dance Studio for a special guest performance.

Diversity Summit 2012

WHEN: May 23, 2012

TIME: 8:15 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

WHERE: Sawridge Inn, Balsam Room

For more information and to register, visit:

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/diversity

REEL Performances presents "Made in Dagenham"

Wednesday May 23, 2012

7:00 p.m. 

Recital Theatre, Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre

Tickets: $13.00

Tickets available at www.keyano.ca/theatre or at the Keyano Box Office (780-791-4990)

ATB Financial presents Bella Voce!

Metis Fest - May 25, 2012

Meeting Wayne Gretzky: A wonderful post from Russell Thomas

The below is a snip-it of a fantastic and descriptive blog written by local blogger Russell Thomas. Please visit his blog, Middle Age Bulge to read the full post - I've included a link at the bottom of this window.

We were escorted to a back stairwell at the Sport and Wellness Centre to meet Wayne Gretzky and his posse of colleagues and protectors, guests of honour at the inaugural One on One Banquet being hosted by the Keyano College Foundation on May 11. A new addition to its already impressive list of mega fundraising events - Golf Classic, Gala, Curtain Raiser - the banquet with The Great One sold out in less than two days despite the average ticket price being $500. In fact, single tickets were never made available as the entire inventory of tables were sold to sponsors - over 50 in all - that jumped at the chance to support students through the Huskies Athletics Endowment and meet one of the most revered sports personalities of all time.

The limousine was to arrive around 4:15 pm, at the back of the building so we could usher the stars of the show into the facility unhindered by crowds of guests who had already started to arrive. It would also add an element of surprise and heighten the anticipation if they appeared at only the appointed time. The plan was well thought out and focused on delivering the best possible experience for the 650 friends of the Foundation who would be in attendance......

To read the full post please visit Russell's blog: Middle Age Bulge

http://middleagebulge.blogspot.ca/2012/05/meeting-wayne-gretzky.html

Composite High School Mural Project

The first Municipal Public Art pilot project has begun. The successful applicant, Wil Yee will be giving a public lecture tomorrow morning at 9am in the Drama Room of Composite High School. Please come by and meet the artist and get to know a little bit more about his practice, proposal and experiences with public art to date.

There will also be a formal 'ribbon ceremony' on Monday May 28th at 10am at Composite High School.

For more information on Wil or the mural project please visit the Municipal webpage by clicking HERE.

Below is the draft image that Wil submitted as part of his proposal. The art work currently under-way and the image will evolve as he works. We will post more images as the project progresses.

Celtic Day Saturday May 26, 2012

Heritage Park, 1 Tolen Drive

Saturday May 26, 2012

12:00pm - 4:00pm

• Celtic Entertainment
• Legion Pipe Band
• Children's Heavy Highland Events 

• Fort McMurray Strongest Man Competition
• (competition takes place from 9:30am - 5:00pm)

For more information, please contact Heritage Park at 780-791-7575 or visit www.fortmcmurrayhistory.com/

Manasc Isaac's Blue Sky Award

Created in 2011, the Blue Sky Award seeks to enable Albertan not-for-profit organizations to realize their dream projects! To help them achieve this, Manasc IIsaac will donate $10,000 of consulting time toward the creation of a conceptual design or feasability study. This will empower the winning organization to seek partners and funding, and determine timelines for their project.

Contact Kent McKay for more info on how to apply. 

Entries are due May 31, 2012.

Denim Day party 12-17yr-olds at Boys and Girls Club

Join the Denim Day party 12-17 yr-olds at Boys and Girls Club 1-4 pm Saturday May 12, 2012

1 in every 4 girls and 1 in every 6 boys are sexually assaulted by the age of 18. Join FMFCS along with other nonprofit organizations, community leaders, youth groups, and RMWB to observe the 2012 "Denim Day FMM" event, raising awareness about sexual violence. 

"Denim Day" began 12 years ago in response to an Italian Supreme Court justice that overturned a rape conviction on grounds that the victim must have helped her attacker remove her skinny jeans (thus implying consent). The wearing of jeans has become an international symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

Winners of a Poster Painting competition across the Junior and High schools and denim creations and most creative jean on sexual assault awareness will be awarded prizes. There will be a discussion on the topic and open house for students to ask questions. The event closes with Sock Hop, pizza and pop.

Be apart of events organized by the Fort McMurray Family Crisis Society to raise awareness about sexual violence among teens and to support victims of rape and sexual assault so that never again will a teen feel unsafe in our community. 

The United Way 

The Fort McMurray Family Crisis Society www.fmmfcs.com 

Check out http://speakup-speakout.org/
Try the quiz on http://loveisnotabuse.com/web/guest/quiz1

The School of Alberta Ballet Summer Camps

Summer Dance Camps 

August 20 - 24, 2012

The School of Alberta Ballet offers Summer Dance Camps for budding performers aged four to eight.  Students will join our highly qualified instructors led by Shirley Agate-Proust in ballet, dance, drama and music classes, all designed to instill a sense of self-confidence and love of dance. Incoming students don’t need an extensive background in dance training, we only require enthusiasm, energy and excitement for performing.
WEE BALLERINAS & GENTLEMEN

• 4 – 5 year olds
• 9:00 – 11:45 AM
• $225 + $50 Registration Fee (non-refundable)
  Daily ballet class includes modern, tap, creative, musical theatre, mask making and drama

JIVING JUNIORS

• 6 – 7 year olds
• 12:45 – 4:00 PM
• $275 + $50 Registration Fee (non-refundable)
• Daily ballet class includes modern, tap, creative, musical theatre, mask making and drama

Click here to download the Summer Dance Camp brochure. Registration form is included in the brochure.

Move It

August 20 - 24, 2012

The School of Alberta Ballet also offers Junior and Senior Summer School with entrance by audition only. Move It caters to students who are looking for a summer intensive but are not yet at the Junior or Senior Summer School level.

• Ages 8 and up
• 9:00 – 3:00 PM with an hour for lunch (please bring own lunch)
• $435 + $50 Registration Fee (non-refundable)
  Daily ballet class with additional strength and stretch, modern, jazz and national classes.

Click here to download the Move It brochure. Registration form is included in the brochure.


(Information retrieved from: http://www.schoolofalbertaballet.com/theCourses/Summer_Programs/Summer_Dance_Camps.html)