Heritage Park Summer Camps 2013

For more information, email: programs@fortmcmurrayhistory.com
Phone: 780-791-7575 ext. 224

www.fortmcmurrayhistory.com

RMWB Programs presents Writers Block

Writers Block - Every Wednesday at 6:00pm

Location: Haxton Centre / Borealis Park

Join RMWB Programs in support of the Justin Slade Youth Foundation every Wednesday for a writer’s workshop. This is open to everyone from amateur to experienced writers. Writers block is a great place to meet other writers, improve your craft, and get feedback to improve your pieces. Open to all types of writing, from prose to poetry, and fiction to non-fiction, even song lyrics!

Look forward to guest speakers!!

August 15 Kevin Thornton. Killing fiction -Crime, Mystery, Suspense and Thriller writers.

August 22 Brea Burton, Poetry

August 29 Russell Thomas, Blogging

For more information on Writers Block and other RMWB programs and events call RMWB Programs at 780-799-1144 or e-mail us at programs@woodbuffalo.ab.ca 

Fort McMurray Public Library celebrates reading with lively literary debate between locals

• WHAT: Fort McMurray Reads 
• WHEN: Saturday, August 25 from 6:00 to 9:00pm 
• WHERE: Miskinaw South at Suncor Community Leisure Centre on MacDonald Island 
• AUDIENCE: Teens and adults 
• COST: Free to attend 
• HOST: Fort McMurray Public Library  

Fort McMurray Public Library will be celebrating the end of its Adult & Teen Summer Reading Program with “Fort McMurray Reads”; a battle of the books.

Prominent community members on the Fort McMurray Reads Panel will go head-to-head in a debate to determine which of their chosen books should be THE recommended title for everyone in the Wood Buffalo region to read this year. Ultimately, however, the decision will rest in the hands of the event’s audience, who will cast votes to choose the Fort McMurray Reads Book of 2012.

Based on the popular CBC Canada Reads broadcasts, Fort McMurray Reads offers a fun local twist, one that seeks to get residents of Wood Buffalo talking about books, as well as the pleasures and benefits of life-long literacy.

The panelists for Fort McMurray Reads 2012 are:

Kevin Thornton
Journalist and library board member, serving as Panel Moderator

Rebekah Benoit
Journalist and book reviewer for Connect Weekly
Representing Mrs. Mike, by Benedict and Nancy Freeman

Ken Chapman
Lawyer and Director of the Oil Sands Development Group
Representing Monseigneur Quixote, by Graham Greene

Russell Thomas
Municipal Councilor and Director of Marketing & Communications at Keyano College
Representing The Best Laid Plans, by Terry Fallis

Toddske & Tito
YMM Podcast hosts and comic book aficionados
Representing Marvels, written by Kurt Busiek and illustrated by Alex Ross

Theresa Wells
Writer, blogger and Fort McMurray advocate
Representing Shoeless Joe, by W.P. Kinsella

Media Contact:
Meghan Casey
Cooperative Education Student, Adult Services
Fort McMurray Public Library
780-792-5155

Wanted: Gently Used Adult Winter Coats, Boots and Gloves

Good Morning,

Homeless Connect will be accepting Gently Used Adult Winter Coats, Boots and Gloves.

November 20 from 12-4pm and November 21 9-4pm at the Nistowoyou Friendship Centre (8310 Manning Ave)

Any thing you can donate would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Lisa Brown
Housing Team Lead
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Neighbourhood and Community Development
9909 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray, AB, T9H 2K4

T. 780-788-1596
C. 780-792-7247

Jiu Jitsu Classes

Starting Next Week: Get Creative Workshops

Don't miss out on your opportunity to register for the fall Get Creative Workshops! Currently there is room left in each of the following introductory workshops: Cake Decorating, Watercolour, and Acrylic Painting.

Sign up today and hit the ground running next week! This is a great opportunity to learn from local artists, gain new skills and maybe meet a few new friends. All the supplies needed are included in the minimal course fee, and delivered to participants at the first class. All three workshops are conveniently located in Timberlea at the brand new Holy Trinity High School, within the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts.

For more information on the workshops, instructors, fees and location please visit the municipal website: www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/getcreative

RMWB Programs: Get Creative Workshops for fall 2011

You must pre-register for the workshops. Space is limited! Payment can be given at the Jubilee building by cash or cheque. Phone 780- 743-7966 for more information

Continuing This Fall, 2011, RMWB Programs will be offering registered workshops for adults.

All supplies will be provided to the class and are included in the price of the workshop. Workshops will start the week of September 25th, 2011 and run for six weeks.

Location: Suncor Energy Center for the Performing Arts
Cost: $50 - $200 (all supplies included)

Workshops currently available for registration:

Acrylic Landscape Painting with Margaret Sonnenberg:
Tuesday's starting September 27th to November 1st, 2011 6:30-8:30pm

Artist Bio:
Born and raised in southern Alberta, the move in 1990 to Fort McMurray opened a door for me to enjoy the beauty of the fragile and pristine Boreal forest. Quietly exploring the rivers and lakes in a canoe or solo in a kayak... my husband and I see beautiful secluded waters seldom seen. This is a powerful experience. For me, these moments build a strong connection to the water, the air, and the land. It is these moments I want to share. It is this beauty I try to capture in paint. I attended the fine arts program in Red Deer College and then along with my husband raised a family in Fort McMurray. After the kids were independent I worked outside the home for eight years and then decided painting would become my focus once again. Each painting has a story, mine in the telling but more importantly yours in the seeing. The intention of each painting is to bring its audience a little mystery and a bit of magic and a sense of contentment.

Workshop Information:
Participants of this introductory level studio workshop will learn about the basics about the acrylic medium, color theory, mixing colors, composition and the various step of executing a painting from start to finish. Ages 18 and up. All supplies have been purchased at a reputable art supply store.

Cost: $125.00

Supplies:
· Conte White
· Charcoal
· 5 Liquitex Softbody Acrylic Paints 2oz
· 12” by 16” Canvases
· Palette Knife
· Palette
· Assortment of Brushes


Watercolor Painting with Kriza Borromeo:
Wednesday's starting September 28th -November 2nd, 2011 6:30-8:30pm

Artist Bio:
Kriza Borromeo is a designer and a photographer from Vancouver, British Columbia. She is a graduate of the Emily Carr University with a Bachelor of Design. Borromeo's research and creative interests include illustration, communication design and art direction. She received a full post-secondary scholarship from the Templeton Secondary School upon graduating with the Highest Honour(s) in Photography, and Studio Painting & Drawing. Borromeo's photography has been featured in online fashion publications.

Workshop Information:
This introductory level studio workshop will include a variety of demonstrations and exercises that will teach participants how to communicate light and shadow, value, form and perspective effectively with watercolor paints. Students will develop a strong foundation in this medium. Ages 18 and up. All supplies have been purchased at a reputable art supply store.

Cost: $90.00

Supplies:
· 10 Cotman Watercolor 8ml
· 22”by 15” 130lb Watercolor Paper
· Assortment of Brushes
· Palette

Cake Decorating with Cheyanne Cramm:
Saturdays starting October 1st - November 5th, 2011 10:00am -12:15pm
*** NOTE Saturday October 15th class has been moved to Sunday October 16th due to scheduling conflict***

Artist Bio:
My Name is Cheyanne Cramm. I took Culinary Arts in High School where I excelled in the Baking portion. Every chance I got, my teacher would get me to decorate cakes for her clients, that is where my passion began. When I graduated from high school I continued decorating cakes and my passion grew. I love to decorate cakes for the sole reason of watching the expression on a person's face when they see what has been created for them! I hope to pass on my passion for decorating cakes to many others! Hope you enjoy what I have to offer!

Workshop Information:
This introductory level studio workshop will teach you decorating basics. You will learn the fundamentals of cake decorating. This 6 week course is packed full of vital information on cake preparation, icing and basic decorating techniques. You will learn basic butter cream skills and you will also use a variety of fondant techniques. You will create flowers and accents with beautiful detail and learn how to roll fondant and mold various shapes. All Supplies have been purchased from reputable cake decorating supply stores.

Cost: $190.00

Supplies:
· Wilton Gum Paste and Fondant Cake Decorating Student Kit
· Wilton 53 Piece Cake Decorating Set
· Set of 8 Modeling Tools
· Fondant Smoother
· Fondant Roller
· Couplers
· 8” Professional Round Pan
· 8” Professional Square Pan

To register or for more information, please call: (780) 743-7966

Aurora Choir News Release.

Aurora Children’s & Youth Choir announces they are cancelling their choir programs! .Difficulties finding a rehearsal space in a location and time acceptable to all parents, with the equipment needed to run rehearsals became overwhelmingly difficult.

The choir’s Music Director, Joanna Torguson, is very dissappointed. “I've worked extremely hard through the past 6 years to establish this group and I'm sad to have to shut it down when we have so many kids registered for this year.” Torguson says she's looked into a ton of options and run into either overwhelming costs or overwhelming logistics to make everything work.

Murray Torguson, Choir President, is frustrated as well. ``My wife has put her heart and soul into setting up this group and providing an outlet for Fort McMurray kids to safely find their voices and sing.`` He notes that the choir provided entertainment at many local events and that there is no other group of its kind to fill the vacancy.

The choir will take a hiatus this year and perhaps try again next year to find suitable space. If no space is found, the choir will shut down permanently.

To get more information about the choir and its programs, visit http://www.aurorachoir.ca/.

Raw Destinations: Exhibit Grand Opening

Above image: Mayor Blake giving her opening remarks, while the artists sit in the front row

Above: Attendees listen to Mayor Blakes opening remarks.

Last night was the grand opening of a new art exhibit in Wood Buffalo. The Artist in Residency Program participants presented the bodies of work that they have been creating over the past three months. The grand opening at the Suncor Centre for the Preforming Arts, located in the brand new Holy Trinity High School (Timberlea) hosted over seventy five art enthusiasts. The exhibit titled Raw Destinations: explorations of the individual phenomena will be available to the public from August 29th - October 21st, so please visit the incredible new facility and see the show. Below are a few pictures from last nights grand opening as well as the didactic information for the show. If you'd like more information about the exhibit or the AIR program please visit the municipal website: www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Above image: The artists from left to right, Paul Neiman, Carli Gaudet, Kriza Borromeo, Megan Green and Lucie Bause.

RAW DESTINATIONS:

EXPLORATIONS OF THE INDIVIDUAL PHENOMENA

 

August 29th – October 21st 2011

Featuring: Lucie Bause, Kriza Borromeo, Megan Green, Carli Gaudet and Paul Neiman

The artists of the first Municipal Artist in Residency Program have challenged themselves and worked over the summer to create unique bodies of work. The collaborative nature of the studios space gave the participants the opportunity to pull inspiration from one another as well as offer critical reviews and constructive feedback on each others works. Although the environment presented an interactive and open space the works produced there represent five distinct perspectives and practices.

Raw Destinations presents select pieces from the final bodies of work created by each of the residency participants. As a group, the artists spent three months working together and interacting in the same studio space. However, each artist has expressed that their experiences were predominantly internalized and self exploratory throughout the residency. The artists wish to convey their individual perspective and the growth that they experienced while in this program. It is from that sentiment that is the foundation for the title, Raw Destinations: Explorations of the individual phenomena.

These artists are in the process of finding their stride and personal styles. The subject matter presented in this group exhibit ranges from the fashion and beauty industry to traditional landscapes and taxidermy. The thematic influences cover a gamut of artists from art history such as Klimt to contemporary American rock band Weezer. Viewers can see works that raise poignant questions about the male gaze, gender roles and the concept of home. It is also apparent that some artists are focused on honing certain techniques, choosing to focus on the materiality and process of creation rather than a working from a specific conceptual driver.

Although the works may at first glance have little correlating thematic or subject matter, upon a closer review of the artist statements and individual works the viewer may realize that many pieces reflect significant pop culture influences as well as an exploratory approach to materials. These two things serve as a common thread between these emerging artists.

Please visit the Municipal website for more information about the individual artists or the Artist in Residency Program: www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

 

Above: Attendees at the grand opening of Raw Destinations

Girl Guides of Canada Recruiting Volunteers

Girl Guides of Canada is the largest organization for girls and women in the world. We are currently trying to fill the following volunteer positions:

Spark leaders for the South side of the bridge: This unit meets Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 at St. John's Catholic Church and has one leader in place.

Brownie leaders for the North Side of the bridge: This unit meets on Wednesday nights at St. Anne's School in Timberlea and has one leader in place.

Guide leaders for the North side of the bridge: This unit meets on Monday nights from 6:30-8pm and has one VERY experienced leader who needs some extra adult leaders to run the unit with her.

A Pathfinder leader: Pathfinders are age 12-15 and in charge of planning their own program with guidance from a responsible adult. Currently, Pathfinders meet on Tuesdays from 6:30-8pm and we have secured a Thickwood location.

If you are interested in any of these positions please e-mail northernlightsguiding@yahoo.ca or our Commissioner at girlguide4life@shaw.ca

Summer Library Programming

Lots o Tots

August 11th from 10:30am to 11:30am (Every Thursday)
for preschool age kids. Stories demand a bit more focus and crafts may be more detailed, focusing on fine motor skills and development.
The library is closed on all statutory holidays. Programs will not run on closure dates.


Book Babies
August 12h from 10:30am to 11:30am (Every Friday)
Babies love story time too! Get to know fun and interactive songs and finger plays to develop a love of books for your new baby. This program also supports networking for moms, dads and other caregivers to share experience and advice.


The library is closed on all statutory holidays; programs will not run on closure dates.


WonderPLAY occurs every second week. Additional learning activities are introduced providing the opportunity for caregivers to learn new fun and interactive ways to promote development

http://www.fmpl.ca/

Movies in the Park

Check out the hottest summer blockbusters August 12 and 13 with Movies in the Park! This free event will take place at Borealis Park from 9 p.m. to midnight. Adult movie “Fast Five” will be shown on August 12, while an animated family movie “Rango” will be shown on August 13. Be one of the first 50 people to arrive and win a free RMWB roll away blanket! Your favorite movie snacks and door prizes will also be available!

For more information call RMWB Programs at 780 – 799 -1144

Bump it Up

Come check out the “Bump it Up” Co-Ed Beach Volleyball Tournament August 13 at Borealis Park starting at 11 a.m. Teams can have 4-6 players, while the registration fee is $25 per team and all participants must be 18 years or older.

With prizes, a free BBQ and a “minute to win it” competition, this will be one event you won’t want to miss! For more information or to register your team, please call RMWB Programs at 780 – 799 – 1144

Or email programs@woodbuffalo.ab.ca

Drumline Music Camp

Party in the Park 2011

Tagapalooza recap

This past weekend the Municipal Parks Patrol hosted 'Tagapalooza'. It was an event focused on repainting the Borealis Skatepark by local artists.

I had the pleasure of assisting Artists in Residency participant, Lucie Bause, with her mural.

It was a lot of fun, and there were some very talented artists at work. Stop by Borealis park and check out the murals this week if you get a chance. Below is a message from Lucie, if you haven't yet please do check out her blog!

Hello,

Hope you are having a great summer! I am learning to kayak and golf in Ft.McMurray...!

Please check out my blog update which includes:
-Skatepark Makeover
-Petropolis Trailer
-Edward Burtynsky Canadain Photographer

Any comments are welcome and encouraged!
http://luciebauseart.blogspot.com/

Best,
Lucie Bause
http://www.luciebause.com/
lbause189@gmail.com
403-609-2145

Band Camp - InterPLAY

June 26th AIR Open House

This past Sunday, the Artist in Residency (AIR) participants hosted their first Open House event. Through the Open Houses; which occur every Sunday between 2 - 6pm until August 20th, the general public gains access to the artist's studios, work and the artists themselves.

We had over twenty people stop by to visit with the artists and explore the studios. As I walked around I was able to join in on conversations that ranged from acrylic and drawing techniques, to arts administration and professional studies, fashion illustration, publishing practices  and debates on art history. The atmosphere in the studio was one of excitement and collaboration. I am really looking forward to next week's Open House and to see what the artists can accomplish between now and then!

Below are a few quick shots I took of the event. I hope you enjoy them and are enticed to stop by next weekend between 2:00pm - 6:00pm to meet the Artists. The studio is located at 155 Beaconwood Road Fort McMurray: The Frank Lacoix Arena

For more information about the artists, the program or the Open Houses, please visit the Municipal website: http://www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist

Cheers,

Connor

The above shot features member of the public who stopped in to visit with the artists.

From left to right: Culture Supervisor, Leigh Agozzino-Organ, AIR participant, Kriza Borromeo and me, Culture Coordinator, Connor Buchanan.

AIR participant Paul Nieman working on a new painting. In the background to the right you can see the studio space and one work of Megan Green, another AIR participant.

Public Library: July Program Update

Register at the Children’s Help desk for the Summer Reading Incentive Program which starts in July.

You can register at the Adult Help Desk or online http://www.fmpl.ca/ for the Adult Summer Reading Program for those 13 and above.

Adult Book Club, Pre-teen Art and Saturday Crafts are cancelled for the summer. All other programs, including ESL Conversation Group and Children’s Programs will continue over the summer. The Library is closed July first and there will be limited access to Mac Island on July 2nd.

Art at MacDonald Island