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Art and Creativity

Art brings people together, weaving connections among individuals, communities, and cultures.

Acting as a universal language, art has the power to unite diverse voices, evoke empathy, and spark conversations.

When we share creative experiences, we discover similarities that deepen our understanding of one another, creating stronger connections. At Carya’s Village Commons, we offer a diverse range of art-based programming, including drop-in sessions, community-led workshops, and artist-in-residence programs, providing opportunities for meaningful engagement and expression.

Celebrate Art, Food, and Community with Carya’s Arts + Cultural Pop-Up Programs

At Carya, we recognize that art and food are powerful tools for building connections, fostering understanding, and embracing inclusivity. Our Arts + Cultural Pop-Up Programs are designed to unite diverse communities, promote cultural exchange, and provide an inclusive space for Calgarians of all ages to explore and celebrate our city’s rich heritage.

Carya would like to acknowledge the support of the City of Calgary’s Arts and Culture Microgrant for making these pop-up programs possible.

Explore our upcoming pop-up programs:

Medicine Wheel and Drumming Workshop

Come and join us for a medicine wheel and drumming workshop led by the talented Chantal Chagnon. Chantal is a Cree and Métis singer and activist from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. For over 25 years, she has inspired audiences with her Indigenous songs and stories while promoting community ties.

The Medicine Wheel and smudging are important in many First Nations and Indigenous cultures. Chantal will explain what smudging means and its purpose. She will also share the science and stories behind it while we smudge together.

In the workshop, Chantal will introduce traditional drumming, songs, and storytelling from Indigenous cultures. Participants will learn about the hides in relation to the Medicine Wheel and how the drums and drumsticks are made. Together, we will drum, sing, and listen to stories from the Cree, Ojibwe/Anishinaabe, Blackfoot, and Cherokee traditions. Traditional hand drums will be available for everyone!

Thursday, November 14, 2024
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Village Commons – 610 8 Ave SE

Registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact us at 403-536-6558 or email AdminVC@CaryaCalgary.ca.

Join us for our Village of Art Wrap-Up Event!

Join us at Carya for our Village of Art wrap-up event! We’re excited to offer two fun cooking demonstrations and a creative art-making session with our wonderful Artist in Residence, Gillian Coulton. You’ll get to enjoy delicious treats like Dutch Pannenkoeken and Ukrainian macarons, all made by talented Calgary locals. Come enjoy some great food and celebrate our community’s creativity!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Friday, November 22, 2024
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Village Commons – 610 8 Ave SE

For more information or to RSVP, please contact us at 403-536-6558 or email AdminVC@CaryaCalgary.ca.


Get Involved! Join us at Village Commons for these enriching Arts + Cultural Pop-Up Programs. For more information or to register, please contact us at 403-536-6558 or email AdminVC@CaryaCalgary.ca.

Artist In Residence (AiR) Program

Artist in Residence programs support and encourage the development of art and culture in Calgary.  They provide an inspiring environment for both artists and participants where new connections and a sense of belonging can be formed.  In partnership with Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (CAAF), Carya’s Artist in Residence (AiR) program is one of many programs offered at Village Commons that provides Calgarians with opportunities to partake in various art programs. The residency program was developed to offer studio space and teaching opportunities to emerging artists in 3-month durations.

Carya’s Fall Artist in Residence

Gillian Coulton, an artist based in Moh’kinsstis (Calgary), specializes in contemporary landscape painting. Her art reflects personal experiences and perspectives. She has a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary.

This fall, Gillian is offering a program to teach landscape drawing and painting using traditional materials to help you improve your technique and style. The focus will be on exploring space and the world around you through drawing and painting. Your artwork will be displayed in a public art exhibition at Carya’s Village Commons at the end of the residency.

Visit Gillian’s Website: www.gilliancoultonart.com

It was a wonderful experience; I learned a lot about myself and grew as an artist and a human

-Carya AiR Participant

Upcoming AiR Workshops

Dive into drawing landscapes using traditional drawing media such as pencil, ink, and charcoal, with a focus on developing personal technique and style. Landscape drawing is a great way to expand your perception of space and explore the world around us.

Intro to Landscape Drawing

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Village Commons

Composing Landscape Drawings

Monday, October 7, 2024
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Village Commons

Landscape Drawing with Charcoal

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Village Commons

Landscape Drawing with Ink

Monday, October 21, 2024
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Village Commons

Expressive Landscape Drawing

Monday, October 28, 2024
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Village Commons

For more information or to register please contact 403-536-6558 or AdminVC@CaryaCalgary.ca.

Open Studio Time

Come take some time to work on projects from this week’s workshops with advice from the artist in residence, or simply drop by to look at or discuss some art created in the workshops or by the artist in residence.

Wednesdays from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Village Commons