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.
Art for All supports and encourages the development of art and culture in Calgary by bringing people together through free creative workshops at Village Commons. Welcoming both beginners and returning artists, these sessions offer accessible arts programming such as beading, painting, drawing, poetry, songwriting, printmaking, and more. Led by talented local facilitators, Art for All provides a supportive space to learn, create, and reconnect with your creative voice alongside community.
Carya gratefully acknowledges the support of The City of Calgary’s Arts and Culture Microgrant, which helps make Art for All possible.
A gentle, creative class that uses art-making to explore emotions, reduce stress, and strengthen the ability to express yourself. No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to slow down.
Date: Mondays, January 12 – February 2
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
Learn to create meaningful beadwork inspired by cultural patterns, storytelling, and personal expression. Participants explore simple techniques while building beautiful pieces each week.
Date: Tuesdays, January 13 to February 3
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
Build confidence with vibrant oil paints as you learn brush techniques, layering, color mixing, and expressive painting styles. Perfect for beginners wanting to loosen up and create fearlessly.
Date: Wednesdays, January 14 – February 4
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
A fun, fast-paced introduction to drawing basics. Designed for first time drawers or people returning to the art you will learn shading, line work, perspective, and how to bring everyday objects to life on the page.
Date: Fridays, January 16 – February 6
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
Discover the magic of transforming wool into colourful felt. Participants learn traditional felting techniques to make small artworks, ornaments, or decorative pieces.
Date: Wednesdays, February 11 – March 4
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
A beginner-friendly introduction to songwriting. Explore melody, rhythm, lyrics, and the creative process while developing your own original piece.
Date: Tuesdays, February 10 – March 3
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
During this four-week course participants will explore and practice a wide range of poetry and poetic styles. Participants will develop their critical poetry reading and creative poetry writing skills. Ultimately, this course aims to create a safe space for writers to examine and discuss poetry, to create and share (or not) their own poems at any stage of development, and to provide and receive positive poetry feedback.
Date: Thursdays, February 12 – March 5
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
A beginner-friendly crash course in acrylic painting. Explore colour mixing, brush techniques, layering, and easy approaches to building a finished piece. Perfect for anyone who wants to start painting with confidence and try a variety of styles using acrylics.
Date: Fridays, February 13 – March 6
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
Create your own wearable art using resin and other techniques. Leave with a custom piece you designed yourself. Just in time for Valentines Day!
For adults (18+). Youth (12+) can attend but must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
To learn more, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
Explore hands-on printmaking methods such as stamping, lino-style impression, and layered patterns. Create bold, repeatable designs and unique art prints.
Date: Wednesdays, March 11 – April 1
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
Experiment with soft pastels to create rich, blended color and expressive textures. Great for beginners who want to play with colour in a relaxed environment.
Date: Fridays, March 13 – 27 and Monday, April 6
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue SE
Registration required.
To register or for more information, contact NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.caDe
A welcoming, beginner-focused writing class that introduces you to the Hero’s Journey – a classic storytelling structure where an ordinary person is called to an adventure, faces challenges, grows, and returns transformed.
Through fun prompts and easy steps, you’ll learn how to build characters, shape a story arc, and start writing your own creative pieces with confidence. Perfect for first-time writers or anyone looking to explore storytelling for the very first time. Registration is required.
Date: Thursdays, March 12 – April 2
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Avenue S.E.
To register or for more information, please contact 403-536-6558 or email NickolasB@CaryaCalgary.ca
It was a wonderful experience; I learned a lot about myself and grew as an artist and a human
-Carya Participant