Graffiti Abatement Mural Program

You might recognize some of these murals from around Fort McMurray, but did you know that they serve more than just one purpose?

The murals were commissioned as part of the Graffiti Abatement Mural Program.  The basis of the project is simple: when a mural goes onto a wall, it is less likely that the wall will be tagged or vandalized with graffiti.  When large spaces become less vulnerable to the threat of graffiti,  it means that property owners and municipalities spend less on graffiti removal and remediation of that space.  

Launched in 2012, the project also provides an opportunity to explore urban art in a legal, respectful way.

Each spring, a Call to Artist is issued nationally.  While the call is open to any artist living in Canada, extra effort is put forth to encourage submissions from local candidates.  

Once all the submissions have been gathered, a local selection panel (comprised of community volunteers including representation from the arts community) reviews the proposed designs and picks the artist and proposal that they feel will be the best fit for our region.  Murals are usually completed by the end of September.

For more information about the Graffiti Abatement Mural Program, please visit: rmwb.ca/mural.  If you have any suggestions for future mural locations, or would like to discuss the program in detail,  please contact beautification@rmwb.ca. 

Now Available! The 2016-2017 Community Guide

The 2016-2017 Community Guide to Recreation, Culture & Social Support Services is now available! 

You can find the Community Guide at various locations around town such as MacDonald Island, Wood Buffalo Regional Library, Keyano College, Heritage Village and the Oil Sands Discovery Centre.  A full listing of locations is available at www.rmwb.ca/communityguide. 

The Guide is a great resource to learn more about the events, programs and activities in our community. Whether  you are interested in learning about different cultures or discovering a new hobby, participating in local environmental initiatives or signing up for one of the many sports and recreational groups, the Guide has it all!

As you flip through the pages, I’m sure you will be amazed at all the opportunities that await you in Wood Buffalo- I know I did!

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo publishes the Community Guide once a year to provide free advertising opportunities for not-for-profit community organizations to promote their recreation and cultural activities or community services. Every effort was made to invite all community organizations to participate in the Community Guide. If you are part of such an organization and would like to be featured in the next edition of the Guide, please contact recreationandculture@rmwb.ca. 

A Wonderful Week of Artist Lead Workshops

The Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency (AIR) program is now in its fourth week and this year’s mentors, Alma Louise Visscher and Kritsana Naowakhun, have already hosted two community artist workshops.  This week, the mentors will host three more artist workshops that are open to all ages and abilities, and all supplies will be provided for the participants.   From Aug. 8^th – Aug. 10^th the mentors will visit the communities of Anzac, Conklin, and Fort Chipewyan.  Please note that children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Please visit the AIR website for more information on the program, and to register for workshops.

 www.rmwb.ca/air

Monday’s workshop will be held in Anzac at the Community Hall, and the focus will be on painting winter wonderlands. Participants will discover the basics of painting snow covered hills, bare trees, and other winter elements.

One of Wednesday’s workshop will be held in Conklin at the Community Centre, and the focus will be on painting fall landscapes. Participants will discover color and brush stroke movements.

The other Wednesday workshop will be in Fort Chipewyan, at the MaMawi Community Centre. It will explore themes of community, flags, fabric dying and painting.

All workshops will have both thematic or conceptual components, as well as a technical component.

2016 Artist in Residency

The Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency (AIR) program commenced on July 18th and will run for six weeks.  Mentoring artists Alma Louise Visscher and Kritsana Naowakhun and 10 local artists have made studio space at Keyano College their home.  This year’s mentors will be hosting free workshops throughout the Region for the next month.   These workshops are open to all ages and abilities; children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Please visit the AIR website for more information on the program, and to register for workshops. 

 www.rmwb.ca/air

The next workshop will be held in Fort McMurray on Tuesday August 2nd, at the Casman Centre from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  It will be hosted by Kritsana Naowakhun, and focus on Mixed Media.  Hope to see you there.

AIR 2016 - Art is a Way of Life!

Art is a way of life. You may work in an office, on site, or be a student but inside you see the world differently. For you the world is brighter, shapes interest you, colours have feelings. You love to work with your hands. You think in pictures and the urge to express these images is overwhelming. If this describes you then you need to apply today to the Artist in Residency program. You are an artist and you deserve a place to be who you are. No matter what your career is you are first an artist and art is your way of experiencing the world.

Let Your Light Shine!

The Artist in Residency program offers local emerging artists 16+ FREE studio space at the Keyano Theatre and Art Centre, a modest budget for art supplies, FREE mentorship, and FREE exhibition space at the MacDonald Island Community Gallery presented by the Kirschner Family Corporation where artists can display and SELL their art with NO associated fees.

AIR is split into two mentorship programs 6 applicants will be selected into each program. Program one, May 30 – July 8, will be instructed by Kritsana Naowakhun a professional artist who works in sculpting and painting. Program two, July 18 – August 26, will be instructed by Alma Visscher a professional artist who works primarily in fabric arts and sculpture. Local artists can apply to one or both programs. For more information on how to apply please visit www.rmwb.ca/air or contact Michael Beamish, michael.beamish@rmwb.ca, 780-788-1498.

The AIR Studio-Do What You Love this Summer!

Welcome to the AIR Studio.   

One of the greatest features of the AIR program is the FREE studio space at the Keyano Theatre and Art Centre.

This beautiful, open, space allows artists to shed the stress of their daily lives. It is a place to breath, relax, and explore your creative side while meeting like-minded people who will not only inspire your creativity but will hopefully become your life-long friends.

The mentors will encourage your creativity inspiring you to grow as an artist while teaching you new techniques and skills. Not only that they will give you the knowledge to grow your career as an artist helping you to discover your greatest dream. This program is not only a lovely way to spend your summer but it could also be the start of a new chapter in your life.

Apply Today!

The Artist in Residency program offers local emerging artists FREE studio space at the Keyano Theatre and Art Centre, a modest budget for art supplies, FREE mentorship, and FREE exhibition space at the MacDonald Island Community Gallery presented by the Kirschner Family Corporation where artists can display and SELL their artwork with NO associated fees.

AIR is split into two mentorship programs 6 applicants will be selected into each program. Program one, May 30 – July 8, will be instructed by Kritsana Naowakhun a professional artist who works in sculpture and painting.

Program two, July 18 – August 26, will be instructed by Alma Visscher a professional artist who works primarily in fabric arts and sculpture. Local artists can apply to one or both programs. For more information on how to apply please visit www.rmwb.ca/air or contact Michael Beamish, michael.beamish@rmwb.ca, 780-788-1498.

Prepare To Be Amazed With Some WinterPLAY Magic!

Prepare To Be Amazed With Some WinterPLAY Magic!

Come one, come all to see the street performer and busker extraordinaire, Nikolai Smith! This familiar WinterPLAY personality – who you may remember from last year’s Festival as the renaissance jester – is back to wow you once again in 2016 with his juggling, sleight of hand and roving entertainment. Nikolai’s comedic, interactive and energetic performance makes him one of Alberta’s most sought-after festival entertainers and a Fort McMurray fan-favourite.

With a full weekend line-up, you can be sure to see Nikolai’s act on the following dates and times:

·         Friday, February 19 @ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

·         Saturday, February 20 @ 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

·         Sunday, February 21 @ 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

One aspect of Nikolai’s performance that makes his show so fun to attend is that he often needs members from the audience to be his assistant to help complete his tricks. For kids who want to be selected, (and for parents who want to avoid the limelight), Nikolai offered up one secret to improve your chances at getting picked, (or for parents, getting looked over): SIT UP FRONT! That’s right adult viewers, if you think hanging out in the back row will keep you out of the performance, Nikolai said that’s his favourite area to pull parents from to engage in the show. So don’t be shy when attending a Nikolai show: get up close, prepare to be amazed and get ready to shout ABRACADABRA!

For more information on Nikolai Smith, check out his website at: http://www.nikolaismith.com/.  

Art Volunteer Positions

Beat those winter blues with art & volunteering opportunities! See below for submission deadlines & volunteering information.

FuseSocial’s 5^th Annual Wood Buffalo Timeraiser Open Call

The 2016 Wood Buffalo Timeraiser’s digital submission deadline is February 22^nd! Don’t miss out on a chance to sell your artwork at full price, showcase your artwork in the gallery space and take part in the Silent Auction during the opening reception!

For more information. You can also contact Katie Loutitt at katie.loutitt@fusesocial.ca.

 

Volunteers for School Visits Program

Spring School Visit Program runs from Monday to Friday by appointments between 9:30AM and 2:30PM during March and April. This art program is for school kids Kindergarten to Grade 6. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Lucie.Bause@ONErec.ca

Artist Interested in Instructing Art Workshops

Do you want to share your passion for art with others? Do you have an idea for a visual art project that can be completed in a 4 hour workshop that you would like to teach and share with other adults interested in art? If so, please contact Lucie.Bause@ONErec.ca

Call for Submissions-2016 Street Banner Contest

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s Street Banner Contest is back! The theme for the 2016 contest is My Home – Wood Buffalo Landmarks. The Street Banner Contest is a civic beautification program that aims to engage community members, showcase the beauty of the region and highlight local artists. Four designs will be selected by a panel of volunteer judges from the community. Winning artists will be awarded $500, and have their selected artwork displayed on street banners from May 2016 to November 2016.

Last years’ competition had 46 stunning submissions making it a difficult feat for our artist selection panel to choose only four finalists. The four finalists entries, shown above, had their selected artwork displayed on banners throughout the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in celebration of the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games.

Artists may submit their entry for the 2016 contest from January 6 until 4 p.m. MST to Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. For more information please visit the RMWB website or contact a Community Strategies Coordinator at 780-788-1489 or email beautification@rmwb.ca.

OPEN CALL TO ALL LOCAL 2D and 3D ARTISTS IN WOOD BUFFALO

OPEN CALL TO ALL LOCAL 2D and 3D ARTISTS IN WOOD BUFFALO

FuseSocial is thrilled to announce that the Call to Artists for the fifth edition of the Wood Buffalo Timeraiser is now open. Timeraiser is a volunteer matching fair, a silent art auction, and a night out on the town. The big twist is rather than bid money on artwork, participants bid volunteer hours.

Through funding from local and provincial sponsors, we are able to purchase all artwork locally at fair market value and auction it off on the night of the event. Last year, 43 pieces of art were purchased from local artists for the event, which means approximately $18,000 went into supporting the Wood Buffalo Art Community. The combined art pieces generated approximately 3,700 volunteer hours in the Wood Buffalo social profit sector.

Successful auction bidders have 12 months to complete their pledged volunteer hours to organizations in the Wood Buffalo Region. The independently ran Wood Buffalo Timeraiser exhibit will be open to the public from April 4^th – April 29^th. The Timeraiser Opening Reception will occur on April 14^th, 2016.

There is no submission fee associated with this call.

ARTWORK SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA:

• ·        Submissions must be received electronically by February 22, 2016 at 4:30PM. Please include all information below in one email and send to bernie.lalor-morton@fusesocial.ca
• ·       Selected artists are strongly encouraged to attend the Art Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) in partnership with the Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC) Submission Workshop on January 30^th, 2016:
• o      Workshop outlines how to photograph and finish artwork professionally for the gallery and how to package artwork for delivery.
• o   There is a cost associated to this workshop. Timeraiser applicants will be reimbursed for the cost after they submit their artwork on February 22^nd.

 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• ·         Applicants must be a resident of Wood Buffalo.
• ·         Preference will be given to emerging or mid-career artists.
• ·         Maximum five pieces entered per artist.
• ·         All pieces must be original; no copies or prints permitted (Pieces selected in previous years for Timeraiser may not be submitted again).
• ·         All pieces must be recent; created within the last 2 years (2014+).
• ·         All artwork must be ready to hang (wire setting 1/3 from the top of the artwork, no saw tooth hangers).
• ·         All pieces must be framed and signed (stretched canvas must have finished painted edges, no stapes showing and artwork on various papers must be in a frame with glass front.)
• ·         3D Artwork that fits within display case dimensions (16” wide x 16” deep x 10” high) will be displayed for the duration of the exhibition. All other 3D artwork chosen will be showcased only during the open reception and silent auction.

·         Artist set the price of their own artwork submission (up to a maximum of $1,500).

SUBMISSIN ENTRY – PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN ONE EMAIL:

• Submission Form.
• High Resolution digital picture of your submission.
• Artists Statement (maximum 250 words).
• Brief biography (maximum 250 words).
• Photo of yourself (optional).
• Price of each submitted piece, up to a maximum of five pieces (including the costs associate with appropriate framing and hanging).
• Label Information: Your name as you would like it to appear, the title of your work, the medium (example: Oil on Canvas, Collage on Board, Mixed Media, Photography, etc.) and the dimensions (in inches).

SELECTION PROCESS:

·         Art will be selected by a non-exhibiting jury consisting of a FuseSocial Board Member, a member of the MI Visual Arts Department, Art Council of Wood Buffalo representative and an artist in the community. There is no guarantee that all art will be chosen.

·         

      Selected artists will be notified via email on or before March 3^rd, 2016.

o        Artists are responsible for making arrangements to drop-off their artwork at the designated time and space, the artwork cannot be stored at the gallery.

·         Exhibition of the artwork will commence on April 4, 2016 and be open until April 29, 2016. Timeraiser event occurs on April 14^th, 2016.

For more information:

Bernie Lalor-Morton

Volunteer & Training Coordinator

T 780-791-9333

Bernie.lalor-morton@fusesocial.ca

Westwood Winter Magic Open House

Westwood Winter Magic Open House 

Wednesday, December 2nd from 7:00-9:30pm  

Westwood Performing and Visual Arts students present: 

Dance, Drama & Improv, Art & photography, Band, Guitar, Piano and Vocal performances.

Admission Free: Cash donations are welcome towards various performing arts programs, Food Bank items, or winter clothing for the Centre of Hope.

Apply NOW for the Multicultural Expo!

The Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo is looking for local cultural groups to get involved in their annual Multicultural EXPO in February 2016. This is your chance to show the community glimpses of the beauty and magic of your culture and a chance to showcase all that is unique and special about your home country.

About the Multicultural Expo: The Multicultural EXPO-2016 hopes to bring together all diverse cultural groups in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Last year they had over 26 cultures represented and around 2600 attendees at the event. The EXPO features traditions, customs, artifacts, dress, food, and dances from all over the world. The event not only brings the Wood Buffalo community together but aims to break down barriers between cultural groups and enhance cross-cultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation.

What you can do at the Multicultural EXPO:

• Sell cultural dishes for all to enjoy (Apply for Temporary Food Vendor Permit)
• Sell handicrafts inspired by your culture (Apply for Daily Licence)
• Educate the public about different aspects of your culture (ie. traditions, festivals, beliefs, customs, dress, artifacts, dances, etc.)
• Reach out to newcomers
• Spread the word about your cultural group or organization

An ambassador for each cultural group will serve as the sole representative for their cultural group liaising between their group and the Multicultural Association.

Ambassador Responsibilities:

• Serve as the liaison between the cultural group and the Multicultural Association
• Attend committee meetings prior to the EXPO (about 3 short meetings will be scheduled)
• Keep the Multicultural Association updated on the progress and any changes within the group
• Organize the booth for your cultural group to be displayed at the EXPO (find people to provide artifacts, traditional costumes, and info)
• Get commitment from the group for organizing a food stall or handicraft stall

Apply Now!

• To apply to be an Ambassador and book your booths or for more details please email the Multicultural Association at events@multiculturefm.org or call 780-791-5186.

IMPORTANT DATES AND NOTES:

• November 30, 2015 - Information Session at the MCA Board Room at 6:00pm
  
• December 11, 2015 - All Applications must be submitted before the end of the day
• Application for the Temporary Food Vendor Permit must be filled out and sent to events@multiculturefm.org before end of December 11, 2015
• Application for Daily Market License must be submitted to:

Mailing Address: 9909 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray AB T9H 2K4

Business Licensing Office Location: 309 Powder Drive, Fort McMurray AB

     T 780-799-8695 F 780-743-7874

• A copy of the Daily Market License Application must be sent to events@multiculturefm.org before end of December 11, 2015 

The Multicultural Association is looking forward to working with you to make this year’s Multicultural EXPO a huge success!

Full Moon Cafe This Saturday

Come and enjoy a relaxing evening of music, poetry and art at The Full Moon Café, this Saturday, 7:30pm, at the Waterways Community Hall. The Full Moon Café is a cozy monthly coffee house. Musicians, writers, artists are welcome to share their talents, whether new or experienced. Come enjoy a wonderful evening out! $5, all ages welcome.

Become the Raven this Halloween!

Looking for something to do this Halloween? Be a part of the art! The igNIGHT Festival is looking for 5 or 6 people who would like to volunteer for the performative aspect of igNIGHT’s The Unkindness by Kasie Campbell. The Unkindness features a raven, a local foul who encompasses many affects; a chariot of the soul; a symbol of hope; a model of resilience; an infamous trickster; and a mediator of life and death. Throughout time, the raven is depicted by many cultures and portrayed within their mythologies, legends and folklore. The Unkindness (formerly “Untitled”) is a piece inspired by the revered avian creature.

Conceptualized by Kasie Campbell and executed with the assistance of the students of Keyano’s Art & Design program, their collaborative efforts bring the notorious raven to life through a myriad of materials, lighting and performance art. A piece that pushes the creative boundaries of all parties including: the artist, the students and the observers, The Unkindness is a piece that will pervade the mind and, like the raven, stamp its repute.   

Be a Part of the Art!

If you would like to volunteer and be a part of the final performance this is what is required:

Attire:

Kasie will provide black feathery masks for each participant.

Action:

Performers will situate and disperse behind the Raven and in the trees then slowly come out into the fog (there is a fog machine) by the bird and collect twigs and leaves. To add to the nest.

Date:

Friday, October 30^th

Time:

8:30PM

The volunteers will meet the artist Kasie Campbell at the gazeebo at Keyano’s Doug McCrae Park where she will give you a mask and instruct you on what to do.

Performers can keep the masks once they have finished. If you are interested, please contact Kasie Campbell at: kasie1@ualberta.ca