Smeltzer House - September 3 

• Botanical Photograms: Cyanotype 

• 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Explore the cyanotype process with artist-in-residence, Thomas Weir. Place botanical materials directly onto light-sensitive paper and expose them to sunlight to create detailed impressions. We'll take a brief outdoor walk to collect plant materials to use in your composition. The workshop draws inspiration from early botanical cyanotypes and encourages close observation of natural forms. All materials are supplied. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No previous experience is required.

Registration is required  through Recreation Online (registration opens August 20).

Smeltzer House - September 4 

• Traces, Landscape, and Pattern: Artist Talk & Open Studio with Finn Modder 

• 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

This session will introduce Finn Modder’s artist-in-residence research, focused on observing and documenting traces left on the land through agricultural activity. Participants view works in progress, including sculptural forms, and learn about processes such as field observation, casting, and visual documentation. The talk explores themes of ecology, land stewardship, and pattern, drawing connections between natural systems and human activity. No materials are required. This is an indoor session with time for discussion and questions.

Registration is required  through Recreation Online (registration opens August 20).

Culture Days open house - September 20

This free open house event offers hands-on activities in the Clay Hut, Studio One Glass Studio, and throughout the historic site.

Join us for drop-in programs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or sign up on-site (starting at 1 p.m.) for a clay or glass art session. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis - come on time to secure your spot!

Decorative clay owls (6Y+)  - Requires sign-up (on-site)

• 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. 


Step into our pottery studio and create a one-of-a-kind decorative mushroom to proudly display in your home.   

Glass pendants and keychains (9Y+)  - Requires sign-up (on-site)

• 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. 


Personalize your very own pendant in our glass studio. Choose your colours, create your design, and craft something uniquely yours.  

Printing booth (6Y+) - drop in any time 

• 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 

Make your own unique cards inspired by the beauty of nature using leaves, flowers, and playful patterns. 

Public art tour - September 12

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.   

Registration is required through RecOnline, opening August 20.

Discover the stories behind the Community Centre’s public art collection during this free Culture Days tour. Explore landmark works by celebrated artists, including a vibrant mural by Alex Janvier, stunning glass installations by Manola Borrajo-Giner, a dynamic lenticular piece by Chelsea Boida and Mark Feddes, and an outdoor steel sculpture by Catherine Burgess, Walter Jule, and Royden Mills.  You'll also see a brand-new mural by Dene artist Bruno Canadien and learn how these works help shape the community’s identity and spaces.  Extend your experience with the Festival Place Theatre Tour, just a short walk away along the Prairie Walk.

Savour Strathcona - September 13

Get ready to savour the best of Strathcona County with Savour — a much-loved community celebration of local food, art, and music. 

• Sunday, September 13 - 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Explore culinary creations from local restaurants, food trucks, brewers, and distillers. Take in the visual talent of local artists showcased by Gallery@501. Soak up the sounds of homegrown musicians performing throughout the event.

No registration or ticket required. 

Festival Place Theatre Tour - September 12

• 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

• 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.   

Registration is required through RecOnline, opening August 20.

Go behind the curtain at Festival Place during Culture Days and discover what brings live performances to life. Explore backstage spaces rarely open to the public, learn how the theatre operates, and uncover the creative and technical magic behind every show.

This free guided tour offers a unique look at one of the community’s premier arts and culture venues. Make a morning of it by pairing your visit with the Community Centre Public Art Tour, connected by a short stroll along the Prairie Walk.

JIMI: A Culture Days Celebration  - September 15

• Doors open at 7 p.m.

With a sound that fuses soulful roots with sleek, modern pop sensibilities, Jimi is a magnetic performer who’s reimagining the blues for a new generation. Seating is limited and a ticket is required to secure your spot. Free tickets will be available on the Festival Place website starting Wednesday, August 20. All patrons of all ages require a ticket. Grab up to four tickets per household while supplies last. This event is sponsored by TD. 

Family Traditions, Opening Reception and Artist Demo - September 26

Strathcona County is pleased to present Family Traditions, featuring Inuit stencil printmaker Roberta (Apun) Sukayaluk Memogana and third-generation watercolour artist Emily Mosley-Delorme.

• Sept 3 - Oct 24

• Opening Reception and Artist Demo: Sept 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Free admission

How to Photograph Your Artwork Workshop - September 26

Registration is required through Recreation Online, opening August 20. 

Learn practical techniques for photographing your artwork with Lindsey Bond-Garcia at Gallery@501. Whether you're documenting your work for the first time or refreshing your skills, this hands-on workshop explores lighting, camera setup, composition, photographing 2D and 3D artwork, file organization, and troubleshooting.

Participants will practice documenting their own artwork using the equipment they already have, while also gaining hands-on experience with a DSLR camera. You'll receive individualized feedback and leave with practical take-home tips and resources. 

Presented in partnership with CARFAC Alberta